THE PROFILE OF A MODERN-DAY PHARISEE

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How can we tell when a believer is starting to resemble a Pharisee? The Pharisees were a Jewish religious sect known for their strict adherence to the law and meticulous observance of rituals. Today, they are remembered chiefly as those who opposed and persecuted Jesus.

A Christian who is not careful can develop the same attitudes that once stood against Christ Himself. Sadly, some believers already display behaviors and actions that mirror those of the Pharisees of old—people we might call modern-day Pharisees.









1. HYPOCRITE

Jesus called the Pharisees of His time hypocrites—people who only pretended to be righteous. They did not practice what they preached (Matt 23:3). They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him (Matt 15:7–8). Their holiness was mere show (Matt 23:27–28). Believers who focus more on outward displays of righteousness than on a genuine relationship with the Lord are guilty of being modern-day Pharisees.

2. TRUTH-HATER

The Pharisees opposed the truth, which is why they rejected what Jesus taught. They knew He was speaking the truth (Matt 22:15–16), yet they still looked for something to accuse Him of. They invalidated the truth revealed in God’s Word in order to preserve their own traditions (Matt 15:3–5). Time and again they tried to refute Jesus’ teaching, but every attempt failed, so they plotted to kill Him. Christians who disregard the truth, or who try to silence fellow believers proclaiming it and discourage others from seeking it, likewise fall into the category of modern-day Pharisees.









3. LEGALIST

The Pharisees were strict in observing rules, regulations, and rituals, as if these could win God’s approval. For the sake of keeping their man-made traditions, they neglected the weightier matters of the law such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matt 23:23–24), thereby overlooking God’s true commands (Matt 22:3, 5). Believers who depend on their religiosity and zeal to gain God’s favor can be considered modern-day Pharisees. They live as though salvation rests on their own efforts rather than on grace. The problem with legalists is that they often attack those who are not as “zealous” as they are. Modern-day Pharisees think they are always right.

4. SELF-CENTERED

The Pharisees loved drawing attention to themselves. They would sit in Moses’ seat (Matt 23:2; Luke 11:43)—a prominent place in ancient synagogues—so they could be publicly recognized. In Jesus’ parable in Luke 18:9–14, the Pharisee was the very picture of arrogance. Their self-focus also led to greed (Luke 11:39; 16:14). Modern-day Pharisees likewise exalt themselves and often justify their pride and selfishness under the guise of being “biblical.”









5. UNLOVING

The Pharisees had no problem showing hatred toward others as long as they could maintain their own standard of holiness. They condemned Jesus for healing on the Sabbath simply because it violated their protocol (Mark 3:1–6). They looked down on sinners and outcasts and even hated Jesus for reaching out to them (Matt 11:19; Mark 2:16; Luke 7:39). Christians who show no love for fellow believers or for unbelievers are much like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. Those who practice their faith while being rude or dismissive toward others closely resemble them. Stay Curious. 

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