Introduction to the Pharisees

Discover the intriguing story of the Pharisees’ failed attempt to achieve righteousness through meticulous observance of religious laws. “Christians—Learning from an Experiment That Failed” delves into the reasons behind this failure and draws powerful lessons for modern-day Christians. Explore how excessive focus on external deeds rather than internal faithfulness can lead to spiritual downfall, and learn how to apply these insights in your spiritual journey.

The Pharisees, an ancient Jewish sect, sought to influence the people towards righteousness by following strict observance of Mosaic Law. They were known for their extraordinary efforts in maintaining ceremonial cleanness and paying tithes. The group emphasized the separation from others in following religious practices and enforced additional rules for the sake of observing the law to the smallest detail.

Tithing Practices

Tithing and Observance of Ceremonial Cleanness: The Pharisees went to great lengths to ensure the tithing of even the most minute things, such as legumes and herbs. This was carried out to the extreme, even with purchased or traded goods. They did so in fear that the items might not have been properly tithed by the original owners.

Ceremonial Washing Practices: Their adherence to ritual washings, originally intended for priests, extended to their daily lives. They followed the tradition of washing hands up to the elbows and even between courses during meals. This practice was over and above the requirements of the Mosaic Law.

“A Fence” to Prevent Wrongdoing

The Pharisees went further, creating additional rules and regulations to serve as a “fence” around the Law. These non-Biblical regulations included many rules for the Sabbath and were intended to prevent people from transgressing the written law. However, the success of this approach is highly questionable.

Seeking God’s Favor Through Deeds

The Pharisees believed in a system where good deeds would earn “merit” with God and bad deeds would incur “debt.” This led to a harmful, transactional view of righteousness, with many becoming self-righteous and judgmental of others.

Interaction with Common People

Considering the common people as ritually unclean, the Pharisees avoided close contact with them. This manifested in their objection to Jesus eating with sinners and tax collectors.

Jesus and the Pharisees

Jesus’ Critique of the Pharisees: Jesus critiqued the Pharisees for their external piety and lack of concern for justice, mercy, and faithfulness. He pointed out their hypocrisy in focusing on the external rituals while neglecting the internal righteousness.

Emphasis on Internal Cleanness: Jesus emphasized that real uncleanness comes from within, from the heart, and not from external contact. He stressed that no amount of ritual can cleanse the defilement of sin, and that forgiveness and salvation can only be achieved through repentance and faith in Him.

The Pharisees’ Reaction to Jesus: The Pharisees, in their self-righteousness, resisted Jesus’ message. Their external, superficial piety did not address inward corruption. Their exaggerated humility and external rituals were a mere show.

The Failure of the Pharisees’ Experiment

The Pharisees’ experiment to promote righteousness failed. It neither made the majority more godly nor helped the Pharisees themselves to become better people. In fact, it led them to commit the heinous crime of murdering Jesus.

Conclusion: A Lesson for Today

Despite its failure, the experiment set the stage for Jesus to deliver a powerful message about human sinfulness and the need for salvation through faith and repentance. This lesson continues to resonate today, challenging all to seek genuine righteousness, not through works, but as a free gift through faith in Christ.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).