← Life and ministry of Jesus

Conflicts with the Pharisees

  • CTD063 The Pharisees or the Scribes

    This article addresses an apparent biblical contradiction involving the Pharisees and scribes in the Gospels, explaining how these differences reflect the biblical authors' distinct but complementary perspectives on opposition to Jesus.

    Matthew 9.33-34 (King James Version) :
    And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • CTD069 The leaven of the Pharisees

    The article explores the variety of Gospel presentations of Jesus' warning about the "yeast of the Pharisees", examining cultural and theological differences in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

    Luke 12.1 (King James Version) :
    In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • MIR010 Healing the man with the withered hand

    This article explores the miracle of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand, illustrating his confrontation with the Pharisees over the meaning of the Sabbath. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke each recount this event with different nuances, highlighting Jesus' compassion and the rigidity of the religious authorities.

    Matthew 12.9-13 (King James Version) :
    And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue:And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER041 Jesus the Messiah’s conversation with Nicodemus

    The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in Jerusalem, described in John 3, represents a crucial turning point towards a personal Christian spirituality, removed from Jewish rituals, with an emphasis on the inward relationship with God.

    John 3.1-21 (King James Version) :
    There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER076 Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath

    Jesus and his disciples cross a wheat field on a Sabbath (April 5, AD 31, in Galilee). The Pharisees accuse them of violating Sabbath law. Jesus replies by citing David's example and affirms his absolute authority: the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath. He denounces the distortions of Pharisaic interpretation, opposed to the original spirit of Mosaic law, and claims the right to restore the true Sabbath.

    Luke 6.1-5 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER078 The Pharisees plan to murder Jesus the Messiah

    Pericope 78 recounts the Pharisees' decision to murder Jesus the Messiah following the healing of the man with the paralysed hand on a Sabbath. In AD 31, in Capernaum, a clear divide separates the hostile religious authorities from the admiring people. Dissenting voices such as Nicodemus and Gamaliel testify to internal opposition within the Sanhedrin. Despite this plot, Jesus resolutely continues his ministry.

    Luke 6.11 (King James Version) :
    And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER121 Teaching about demons

    The article examines how Jesus refutes the Pharisees' accusations that he casts out demons through Satan, emphasizing his superior divine authority.

    Matthew 12.29 (King James Version) :
    Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER123 The contradictions of the Pharisees exposed

    This article discusses the contradictions of the Pharisees that Jesus exposes through metaphors. Jesus compares people to trees, urging everyone to take a stand and emphasizing that words reveal the heart. He warns that everyone will be judged by their words, highlighting the importance of a regenerated life.

    Joshua 24.15 (King James Version) :
    And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.Noteholy God: Heb. holy Gods
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER158 The judgment of the Pharisees

    Pericope PER158 analyzes the Pharisees' reaction to Jesus' miracles at Capernaum (Matt 9.33-34). While the crowd recognizes a divine work, the Pharisees attribute Jesus' actions to the devil. Their rejection is deliberate: accepting Jesus would mean losing their privileges. Yet some, such as Nicodemus, Joseph of Arimathea and Saul of Tarsus, would choose to follow him. The healed mute man, for his part, goes away in joy and gratitude.

    Acts 5.34-39 (King James Version) :
    Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:But if it be of God, ye can not overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER184 The Pharisees ask for a sign

    The article describes how the Pharisees ask Jesus to prove his authority by a sign, and how he refuses, denouncing their hypocrisy and mentioning only the sign of Jonah. The account highlights the tensions between Jesus and the religious leaders of his time.

    Matthew 16.1-4 (King James Version) :
    The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER235 Meal at a Pharisee's house

    The pericope PER235 recounts Jesus’ meal at the house of a leader of the Pharisees on a Saturday (Luke 14.1), in a context of growing confrontation. The Pharisees are seeking to gather evidence against him for the Sanhedrin. Despite the tensions, Jesus accepts the invitation, holds his ground and corrects their teachings. Luke is the only evangelist to report this episode, which most likely took place at the Saturday midday meal.

    Deuteronomy 17.6 (King James Version) :
    At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER294 The questions of the Pharisees and the Herodians

    The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus by asking him whether one should pay the tax to Caesar. His answer — “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” — foils the trap and establishes the fundamental distinction between civil authority and divine sovereignty, reminding us that man, who bears the image of God, belongs wholly to him.

    Luke 20.20-26 (King James Version) :
    And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly:Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cæsar, or no?But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Cæsar’s.And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER295 The questions of the Pharisees and the Herodians

    In the Temple of Jerusalem, the Sadducees try to trap Jesus with a question about the resurrection involving a woman who had seven husbands. Jesus answers by revealing their ignorance of the Scriptures and of the power of God: in the life to come, people no longer marry. He proves the resurrection from the Torah by quoting Exodus 3.6: God is the God of the living, not of the dead. His adversaries are reduced to silence.

    Matthew 22.32 (King James Version) :
    I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER298 Indictment Against the Religious Leaders

    In the courtyard of the Temple in Jerusalem, on the Wednesday before his Passion, Jesus delivers a severe indictment against the scribes and the Pharisees. Through eight proclamations of ‘Woe to you!’, he denounces their hypocrisy, their pride and their outward show of religion, while expressing deep sorrow over Jerusalem. He calls his disciples to a genuine, humble faith that serves others.

    Matthew 23.37 (King James Version) :
    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate