Musing – Are You a Learning Pharisee or a Ruling Sadducee?

 Hebraic Musing – Are You a Learning Pharisee or a Ruling Sadducee?

First, let’s clarify the differences between the two largest sects of Jews in the time of Yeshua.

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection. (That is why they are “sad, you see.” – Pun?).  The Sadducees were the most powerful group at the time and were closely connected to the Temple in Jerusalem, but they left a legacy of failed leadership.  They had put their own interests and positions ahead of those they supposedly served and led.  Their allegiance was to Rome, more than to Almighty God.  It is no wonder Yeshua disdained them as leaders since they, of all people, should have known better.  Instead, they were sold out to Rome.  It is interesting that there is not one written work in existence authored by a Sadducee!

The Pharisees were the group that Yeshua parried with the most; more so than with the Sadducees.  As a group, Pharisees tended to be the more open-minded, judicious, and democratic of all the sects.  They were a predominantly rural, middle-class group.  The title Pharisee comes from a Hebrew term for “separated ones” or the “pious” ones.  They were self-appointed lay leaders who represented the Jewish middle class.  The Pharisees were not linked to Rome and were far more beloved and respected by the common people; and they established many concepts that guide Jewish life to this day, like:
(a) The synagogue; which has guided Jewish life since the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E.
(b) The role of rabbis as the central authority figures in Jewish life.  Any Jewish male could potentially earn the role of a rabbi through his piety, and his knowledge of the Torah and Jewish law.
(c) The study of the TaNaK, or the Jewish Bible; the Pharisees stressed the need for all Jews – not just the priests and rabbis – to study the Bible for themselves.  God’s Word became available and open to whomever sought it and wanted to learn from it.  
(d) Heavy reliance on oral traditions fastidiously added to the Law of Moses and the Torah (like the pharisaical Misha from 200 AD). 

Both Christians and Jews continue to enjoy these legacies to this day.  We don’t have to be ordained rabbis, priests, or pastors in order to read and study God’s Word.  As we do study and spend time in His word, God becomes our rabbi, our teacher.  “Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.  Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart.” Psalm 119:33-34 NIV   We are called to a legacy of learning.¹

How might we be like the Sadducees?  Sadducees were ignorant of Scripture, the Power of God, an After Life and Moses’ Writings.  Do we have elitists in the Christian community?  Can “Christians” become more concerned about today than about an afterlife?  Are there today's Ivy League thinkers espousing anti-god, anti-supernaturalism?  Some are full of religion, but confused about who Jesus was or is; they remain ignorant.  Mixing gospel truths with error produces false doctrines which leads to endorsing false leaders and teachers.

Or, how might we be like Pharisees?  How many man-made rules, laws and behaviors have been put upon us Christians?  Do we believe showing up for worship every Sunday makes you right with God?  Do we promote strict adherence to some extra-biblical laws, traditions, and rules?  Are we required to earn merit-based righteousness since we are called “Christian”?  Are we willing to point out the speck in the eyes of others?  Do Christians ever try to be seen as righteous by obeying certain laws, while ignoring more important matters of the heart?  Do we ever feel “holier than thou”, esteeming ourselves more highly than others?  Do you believe that God actually needs you?  Where does Anti-Semitism come from?  Do we condone in secret what we preach against in public?  Do other writings with interpretations and commandments compete with the Bible for truth?

Point to ponder – Let me repeat the question…

Are you a Pharisee or a Sadducee?

“Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Matt.16:6 NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                     June 13, 2023
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”    insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com

Note – This musing is an updated version of the “HM” from Dec.14, 2011

¹  Inspired by a message from Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein.