Pharisees and teachers of the law
Matthew 15: 1-20 (NIV)
In this passage, we learn Pharisees and teachers of the law were committing a horrific sin. Jesus stated: “…you nullify the word of God…”
How could religious leaders of Israel get away with such a sin before all the people? They replaced Scripture practices with “tradition.”
Jesus said, “Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matthew 15:6).
Pharisees were considered the strict “religious” folks of the day. That is why it seems ironic that Jesus stated: “For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The call from God for Israelite leaders was to interpret Scripture, and obey. Instead, Pharisees were legislating, adding to or subtracting from Scripture. They were amending the Torah. For example, they stopped enforcing the Mosaic Law death penalty for a number of sins (see Matthew 1:19). Yet justice was not the only thing they were neglecting. In Matthew 23, Jesus exposes the vast evil being done by some Pharisees. Included in that tragic list: “…But you have neglected the more important matters of the law – justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (Matthew 23:23).
Jesus includes mercy. Pharisees were apparently not merciful, since Jesus said, “…You shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to” (Matthew 23:13).
The result: the rules of religious leaders usurped Scripture.
Thus the question arises: What was their problem? Jesus got right to it.
“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me’” (Matthew 15:7-8).
Jesus further elaborated on this when talking about the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees: “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a person ‘unclean” (Matthew 15:18).
Now some Pharisees and teachers of the law did open their hearts to Jesus. Scripture states there was a division.
Note the following passage from the event in the book of John when Pharisees “investigated” the healing of a man who had been blind, yet who was healed by Jesus:
“Some of the Pharisees said, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath.’”
“But others asked, ‘How can a sinner do such miraculous signs?’
So they were divided” (John 9: 16).
Tragically, we Christians have a similar problem today regarding the degradation of Scripture. In some Christian communities there are sins involving a neglect of biblical interpretation efforts, and/or practices of legislating additions to Scripture or subtractions from Scripture.
The Scriptures were inspired by God, and they give us revelations from God. However, at this time in American history, reverence for the Bible is possibly at an all-time low.
The result: deep divisions among Christians.
The solution to such division: Rely completely on Jesus, and love your enemies.
“But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in heaven…” (Matthew 5: 44-45).
People who distort, ignore, and reject the Scriptures are causing unthinkable harm. Followers of Jesus who continue in obedience to Jesus, are able to do what would otherwise be impossible. We can love all people, even people who reject the teachings of Jesus.
Loving those people does not mean we compromise with their teachings. The opposite: If we care about them, we want them to know the truth, so they may live in the holiness of Christ. We must continue to care for them, and leave eternal judgement to God (see Matthew 15:13), which will take place on the “day of judgement” (see Matthew 12:36). Only God truly knows the heart of each person.
After writing this challenging piece, how wild to consider that after Jesus had consistent strife with Pharisees, teachers of the law, Sadducees, chief priests, and elders, throughout His three years of ministry work in this world, Jesus died on a cross for each and every one of those Pharisees, teachers of the law, Sadducees, chief priests, and elders. Jesus died on a cross for all people.
“For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God…” (I Peter 3:18).
They all had the opportunity to receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord.
Today, we people likewise have the opportunity for salvation. Jesus Christ died on a cross for the forgiveness of sins of all people. Jesus was the substitute for the consequence of sins, which is spiritual death. Then He was resurrected. Now the decision is yours.
If you believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you will have eternal life!
Hunter Irvine
