Religious Movements of Jesus’ Day – Pharisees

"Has any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him?
John 7:48

Origin
Descended from Hasidim freedom fighters of the Maccabee era

Membership
Middle-class merchants numbering about 6,000

Beliefs

• Believed in entire Old Testament as law
• Accepted oral interpretation of the Old Testament
• Believed study of Torah was the highest act of worship
• God's desire was for his people to keep the law
• Believed in bodily resurrection and life after death

Practices

• Supported synagogues for Torah study and interpretation
• Strict, detailed obedience to oral and written law
• Accepted Rome as a necessary evil as long as they were allowed to practice their beliefs

How do the practices and beliefs of the Pharisees resemble your beliefs and practices? It was actually from the Pharisees that we get some of the first followers of Jesus after the Disciples. Does your practice of your belief in Jesus Christ center more on the rules or on the Spirit of Christ? Only you can answer!

Prayer
Heavenly Father – keep me focused on your life, your example. Help me to see that I cannot “earn” my salvation but that it comes as a gift because of your sacrifice on the Cross. Help me live each day as the redeemed child of God that I am!! Amen