The Pharisees were a religious group in Judea during the time of Jesus. The term “pharisaical” refers to characteristics and behaviors associated with the Pharisees that Jesus and the New Testament writers criticized. Here is an overview of what it means to be pharisaical from a biblical perspective:
Hypocrisy and Outward Righteousness
A core issue Jesus had with the Pharisees was their hypocrisy. They appeared outwardly righteous by heavily observing religious rituals, traditions, and the law. However, inwardly their hearts were far from God (Matthew 23:25-28). Pharisees would tie up heavy burdens on others through legalistic demands but not lift a finger to help (Matthew 23:4). They did good deeds to be honored by others rather than out of genuine love for God and neighbor (Matthew 6:1-4).
Being “pharisaical” can involve maintaining an outward appearance of righteousness through strict adherence to religious rules. However, the inner person remains unchanged by God’s love and grace. The focus becomes proving one’s own righteousness rather than seeking to honor God.
Neglecting Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
Jesus told the Pharisees they should have practiced justice, mercy, and faithfulness rather than focusing merely on tithing and rituals (Matthew 23:23). They became so focused on minute details of the law that they “strained out a gnat but swallowed a camel” (Matthew 23:24). Following religious regulations took priority over caring for human needs.
A pharisaical attitude places rules above people. It is more concerned withcrossed t’s and dotted i’s than with extending compassion. It sees law-keeping as an end in itself rather than a framework for loving others.
Self-Righteousness and Spiritual Pride
Pharisees trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt (Luke 18:9-14). They saw themselves as spiritually elite and looked down on “sinners” (Luke 7:36-50). Even their prayers were self-exalting rather than God-honoring (Luke 18:11-12).
Likewise, a pharisaical spirit manifests in self-righteousness and spiritual pride. It judges those deemed less righteous. It bases its worth on comparing itself to others. It credits its own diligent rule-keeping rather than humbly depending on the grace of God.
Establishing Extrabiblical Rules and Traditions
Jesus took issue with the Pharisees establishing strict rules outside biblical teaching and equating these traditions with God’s commands (Mark 7:1-13). They even accused Jesus and his disciples of sin for not following their meticulous traditions regarding Sabbath observance and ceremonial washing (Matthew 12:1-2, Mark 7:5).
Similarly, pharisaical Christians go beyond Scripture to create their own standards of holiness. They judge those who do not follow their particular rules. This legalistic mindset can rob believers of the freedom found in Christ (Galatians 5:1).
Majoring on Minors
Jesus said the Pharisees would “strain out a gnat but swallow a camel” (Matthew 23:24). They obsessed over minor issues but ignored serious spiritual matters like justice and mercy. They turnsmall details into major issues and used them as measuring sticks of righteousness.
In the same way, a pharisaical attitude majors on minors. It focuses on disputed or minor issues rather than the core truths of the gospel. It elevates opinions to the level of biblical truth. The result is division and arguments over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).
Seeking Recognition from Others
The Pharisees demanded titles of honor like “Rabbi.” They sought the place of honor at banquets (Matthew 23:6-7). They broadened their phylacteries and lengthened their tassels to impress others (Matthew 23:5). Their charitable giving and praying were done publicly to gain admiration (Matthew 6:1-6).
Like the Pharisees, pharisaical Christians crave recognition and admiration for their spiritual performance. Rather than pointing people to Jesus, they use religion to exalt self. Outward displays of righteousness hide an inner desire to be seen and praised by others.
Neglecting Internal Heart Issues
Jesus described the Pharisees as whitewashed tombs – outwardly beautiful but inwardly full of dead men’s bones (Matthew 23:27). They were careful to keep externals clean but neglected internal matters like greed and pride (Luke 11:37-41). In their focus on outward appearance, inner hearts issues went unchecked.
Similarly, it’s possible to be so concerned with external matters that heart issues get ignored. When keeping rules becomes more important than nurturing spiritual fruit, legalism trumps heart change. Self-discipline in outward behavior cannot transform inner motives and character.
Bible Verses
Here are some key Bible passages that reveal the pharisaical attitude Jesus confronted:
Matthew 23: Jesus confronts the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and lack of compassion. He warns his disciples against the example and teaching of the Pharisees.
Luke 11:37-54 – While dining with a Pharisee, Jesus pronounces woes on them for cleaning the outside but neglecting inner wickedness.
Luke 18:9-14 – Jesus tells a parable contrasting the prayer of a boastful Pharisee with the humble plea of a repentant tax collector.
Mark 7:1-23 – Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for elevating human tradition over God’s Word. He says external rituals cannot cleanse the inner person.
Matthew 15:1-9 – Jesus condemns the Pharisees for breaking God’s commandments by their excessive rules and traditions.
Matthew 6:1-18 – Jesus warns against the Pharisees’ practices of public giving, prayer, and fasting to win human admiration. He calls for righteous acts to be done in secret before God.
Matthew 12:1-14 – The Pharisees condemn Jesus’ disciples for supposedly breaking Sabbath rules. Jesus responds that meeting human needs takes priority over ritual technicalities.
Matthew 23:1-36 – Jesus launches an extended diatribe against the Pharisees’ hypocrisy, pride, greed, legalism, and lack of compassion.
Mark 12:38-40 – Jesus warns the crowds against following the example of Pharisees who crave recognition and exploit the vulnerable.
John 8:1-11 – When the Pharisees drag a woman caught in adultery before Jesus, he exposes their hypocrisy in wanting to stone her but being guilty themselves.
Attributes of a Pharisaical Spirit
Based on Jesus’ teachings and interactions with the Pharisees, here are some key attributes of a pharisaical spirit:
– Hypocritical – Appearing righteous outwardly while inwardly harboring sin and impurity.
– Legalistic – Imposing extra rules and traditions as necessary for holiness. Judging those who don’t follow them.
– Self-righteous – Trusting in personal righteousness. Seeing self as spiritually superior to others.
– Self-exalting – Using outward displays of piety to promote self and gain admiration.
– Judgmental – Looking down on those deemed less holy. Feeling justified in condemning others’ perceived spiritual failures.
– Compassionless – Majoring on minor issues rather than seeking justice, mercy and compassion for others.
– Greedy – Exploiting the vulnerable rather than serving needs (Luke 16:14, Matthew 23:25).
– Proud – Loving titles and honors. Cravingrecognition and placement. Not considering others more significant than self.
– Divisive – Turning minor issues and disputable matters into major sources of argument.
– Deceptive – Pretending to be something externally that does not align with internal reality.
– Man-pleasing rather than God-pleasing – Seeking to win human applause rather than honor God from the heart.
Contrasts with a Spirit-Filled Life
The pharisaical attitude stands in opposition to the heart posture Jesus desires for his followers. Consider these contrasts:
Pharisaical Spirit vs Spirit-Filled Life
– External conformity vs Inner transformation
– Letter of the law vs Spirit of the law
– Rules-focused vs Relationship-focused
– Compares self to others vs Compares self to Christ
– Judges others vs Shows grace to others
– Religious reputation vs Kingdom impact
– Ritual over purpose vs Purpose over ritual
– Self-effort vs Spirit-empowerment
– Self-glorification vs God-glorification
– Legalistic vs Loving
– Joyless vs Joyful
– Critical vs Compassionate
– Superior vs Servant-hearted
– Divisive vs Unifying
– Constraining vs Freeing
– Burdensome vs Life-giving
Guarding Against a Pharisaical Spirit
Since pharisaical attitudes can subtly creep into the church, believers must be vigilant. Here are some ways to guard against developing a pharisaical spirit:
– Remember salvation is by grace alone through Christ, not earned by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
– Focus on inner transformation of motives and character rather than just external behavior.
– Major on the majors – the weightier matters of God’s Word and gospel. Avoid divisiveness over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).
– Regularly search your heart and motives. Why do you do what you do? Is it to honor God and reflect Christ or promote self? (Psalm 139:23-24)
– Value people over programs. Demonstrate compassion, mercy and grace.
– Submit to accountability rather than being a lone ranger.
– Remain teachable and open to correction from God’s Word and other believers.
– When correcting others, do so gently and humbly, not harshly and pridefully (Galatians 6:1).
– Keep the focus on bringing glory to Christ alone, not self.
Cultivating Christlike Character
The antidote to having a pharisaical attitude is nurturing the character of Jesus. As believers keep in step with the Spirit, Christlike qualities emerge such as:
– Humility – True humility values others above self and recognizes everything good comes from God’s grace (Philippians 2:3, 1 Peter 5:5).
– Integrity – Being the same inwardly and outwardly out of reverence for the Lord rather than men (2 Corinthians 1:12, Matthew 5:8).
– Authenticity – Expressing genuine faith rather than pretending spirituality for show (1 Timothy 1:5, Romans 12:9).
– Grace – Offering unmerited favor and forgiveness to others just as God has shown grace to us (Luke 6:37-38).
– Mercy – Demonstrating compassion and practical concern for those in need (Matthew 9:13, Matthew 25:31-46).
– Love – Having unselfish, sacrificial love for God and neighbor (Mark 12:30-31, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).
– Gentleness/Meekness – Responding humbly and patiently even when wronged (Galatians 5:23, Ephesians 4:2).
– Peace – Seeking spiritual unity and harmony rather than promoting quarrels over opinions (Matthew 5:9, Romans 14:19).
– Joy – Finding satisfaction in the Lord above all circumstances (Psalm 16:11, Philippians 4:4).
Conclusion
In summary, a pharisaical attitude is one of self-promotion, harsh judgment, pride, hypocrisy, and prioritizing tradition over mercy. It stands in opposition to the heart and character of Jesus Christ. As followers of Jesus, we must prayerfully examine our motives and attitudes. Are we seeking to honor him or ourselves? Do we extend grace as we have received it? May the light of God’s Word and Spirit lead us away from pharisaical tendencies into greater Christlikeness for the glory of God and the good of others.