I’m currently reading through The Bible Recap with a group. One particular scripture has sent me on a thought train, pondering about the modern-day equivalents of Pharisees and Sadducees, prompting a deep dive into learning more about these ancient groups.

Matthew 16:6 (NASB95) captures Jesus’s warning against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees: “And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees. This passage is further illuminated in Matthew 16:12 (NASB95): “Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” To provide some context, Jesus had been performing miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, making disciples, and drawing crowds. Despite these miracles and the fulfillment of prophecies about Him, the Pharisees and Sadducees constantly sought opportunities to trap Him, accusing Him of breaking the Sabbath laws. Some of these religious leaders even followed John the Baptist and Jesus, seeking baptism, but their motives were driven by fear of wrath, rather than genuine belief in Jesus as the Messiah. In modern terms, they were seeking a different Jesus (Messiah), one who aligned with their preconceived notions and legalistic interpretation of the expanded Mosaic Law, filled with manmade doctrines. Jesus cautioned His disciples to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, likening their false teachings to leaven (yeast) that contaminates pure faith, much like how yeast causes a batch of dough to rise.

Given my understanding of scripture and additional articles I’ve read and cited below, I have synthesized a list of beliefs held by each of these ancient groups, including Essenes and Zealots. While the actual groups may no longer exist, their ideologies have endured. In addition to outlining the characteristics of each group, I’ve also highlighted some modern-day groups that bear resemblance to them. It’s crucial to note that I’m not directly labeling these modern-day groups as Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, or Zealots but rather pointing out similarities as a reminder for all of us to be prayerfully cautious.

• Sadducees:
  • Theological Beliefs: Did not believe in the supernatural, including angels, demons, and an afterlife (Matthew 22:23, Acts 23:8)
  • Social Status: Most were aristocratic and well connected with ruling authorities, modern day vernacular might refer to them as “old money” elite class
  • Played a significant role in Jesus’ crucifixion, working with the Romans and the people to advocate for His death on the cross
  • Some groups that come to mind: atheists, humanists, political elites
• Pharisees:
  • Theological Beliefs: Believed in the supernatural, angels, demons, and an afterlife
  • Social Status: More closely connected with the common people
  • Passionately committed to personal holiness
  • Played a significant role in Jesus’ crucifixion, working with the Romans and the people to advocate for His death on the cross
  • Some groups that come to mind: Some modern day “Christians” in title and outward appearance
• Essenes:
  • Believed in withdrawing from the corrupt Temple system and the Empire
  • Chose to live holy lives in an alternative world until God brought about the Kingdom without their help
  • Some groups that come to mind: Amish, Hutterites
  • As I disclaimed above, please don’t see this as me labeling this group – only that I see similarities. This is not a negative or positive, just an observation. I actually very much respect this way of life.
• Zealots:
  • Believed in the overthrow of the Roman Empire
  • Did not tolerate pagan idols and practices in their land
  • Believed God would bring about the Kingdom with their help
  • Passionately committed to political action
  • Some groups that come to mind: Dominionists, radical fundamentalists

Sources:

• Learn Religions
• Zealots, Essenes, Pharisees, and Sadducees | Dave Barnhart (wordpress.com)

When I read over the synthesized beliefs of each of the groups with Jesus’s words in mind to beware of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, it’s easy to look at the checklist of Sadducees’ beliefs and the groups that come to mind and say I’m good. But when I look at the checklist of the Pharisees, I realize that’s where I need to take more heed. I need to ensure that I know that my salvation is by grace through faith, and not by works lest I boast like the Pharisees or seek to put a burden on the shoulders of others based on my own personal convictions. Jesus further elaborates in Matthew 23:13 (NASB95) with the specific warning about the teachings of the Pharisees: “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.” I’m also reminded that unlike the Essenes or modern-day Amish, God placed me into the circles I’m in for a plan and purpose from long ago, although I admire their simple lifestyle. When I feel overwhelmed by the darkness of idolism and unholy practices that run rampant in our land such as abortion, murders, and political ideologies that have infiltrated the school systems, and oppression, I’m reminded that our King and His Kingdom will win in the end. It’s not my job to usher in His Kingdom because He’s sovereign.

Even from His birth and the decree of Herod to kill off all male babies, to being rejected as a prophet in His own hometown, to going up against the Pharisees and Sadducees amid the miracles He was performing, to denial from His own Jewish people, to the necessity of rebuking even His own disciples, to His ultimate death and resurrection, to the modern-day push to deny Jesus – He still remains King. Unstoppable.