The Leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees Matthew 16:1-12

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; (John 12:42 ESV) Majority views Culturally accepted Defended by teachers, educators, leaders Therefore; easily adopted

Their Origins Pharisees probably arose during the oppression of Antiochus Epiphines as objectors to idolatry and swine sacrifices Hated compromise with politicians and controlled the synagogue worship and teaching Sadducees probably arose to balance Pharisee overreach with calm compromise Attached themselves to the priesthood, wealthy, dealt with political rulers with compromise

Their Doctrines Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna

(For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands properly, holding to the tradition of the elders, and when they come from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions that they observe, such as the washing of cups and pots and copper vessels and dining couches.) And the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” (Mark 7:3-5 ESV)

Their Doctrines Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Placed authority in hands of the rabbis Matters such as divorce, Matthew 19 And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. (Mark 1:22 ESV)

Their Doctrines Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Placed authority in hands of the rabbis They “cleansed” things, were separatists

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:1-2 ESV)

Shoulder Pharisee Wait a little Pharisee Bruised and bleeding Pharisee Humpbacked Pharisee Ever reckoning Pharisee Timid Pharisee God fearing Pharisee Jerusalem Talmud

Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Their Doctrines Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Placed authority in hands of the rabbis They “cleansed” things, were separatists Believed God/angels did almost everything Foreordained, controlled, purposed Sadducees believe everything was by choice Rejected Mishna and everything not specifically spelled out in the Torah Rejected resurrection b/c Law didn’t specify

But Jesus answered them, “You are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God. … as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not God of the dead, but of the living.” (Matthew 22:29-32 ESV)

Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Their Doctrines Pharisees followed Torah AND Mishna Placed authority in hands of the rabbis They “cleansed” things, were separatists Believed God/angels did almost everything Foreordained, controlled, purposed Sadducees believe everything was by choice Rejected Mishna and everything not specifically spelled out in the Torah Rejected resurrection b/c Law didn’t specify Rejected providence, God working, MESSIAH

What is the Leaven to Avoid? Principle of demanding ONLY specific auth. Principle of being “separatists

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (Matthew 9:10-11 ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV)

What is the Leaven to Avoid? Principle of demanding ONLY specific auth. Principle of being “separatists Principle of following “mens” traditions Can’t let externals outweigh hidden things

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23 ESV)

What is the Leaven to Avoid? Principle of demanding ONLY specific auth. Principle of being “separatists Principle of following “mens” traditions Can’t let externals outweigh hidden things Possible to learn the facts and miss Jesus

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. (John 5:39-40 ESV) And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:30 ESV)

What is the Leaven to Avoid? Principle of demanding ONLY specific auth. Principle of being “separatists Principle of following “men’s” traditions Can’t let externals outweigh hidden things Possible to learn the facts and miss Jesus Allegiance to a group dilutes allegiance to God