John 9:34 "They answered and said unto him, you were altogether born in sins,
and now you teach us? And they cast him out."
and now you teach us? And they cast him out."
JOHN 9:34
Much of the Pharisees' problem was spiritual pride, as is very evident by this statement. They were so blinded by their arrogance that they couldn't believe anyone who hadn't been through their "seminary" could teach them anything.
** This is a major problem with many people today! They thnk they know it all. I used be that way in my 20's {I thought, I knew everything - just ask my wife} - but boy was I wrong! Just like a bug hitting the windshield!
The name "Pharisees" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "separate."
This term was applied to this sect because of its extreme devotion to the Mosaic law and commitment to leading a separated life. This was a reaction of the devout Jews who came back to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, and saw the pagan customs and influences of the Babylonians everywhere. Not only their religion but their identity as a nation was being threatened. The Pharisees were patriots as well as religious zealots, who in the beginning served a very useful and needed function in the Jewish nation which was struggling for survival.
However, over the centuries the Pharisees had departed from the Mosaic law and had written their own interpretations of the law - interpretations which they held to be God-inspired and equal to that of Moses. {many churches and religions tend to follow this type of man made thinking} - In Jesus' day this group was characterized by hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They, as a whole, persecuted Jesus and His followers and received the
Lord's most stinging rebukes.
The Pharisees, like many people today, were ignorant of achieving right standing (righteousness) with God through the simple act of receiving His forgiveness by faith
and were trying to earn salvation by their own acts.
No one can fulfill God's commands
(Rom. 3:23) except Jesus (Heb. 4:15).
Therefore, to be righteous, we must put our faith in what He has done for us.
** This is a major problem with many people today! They thnk they know it all. I used be that way in my 20's {I thought, I knew everything - just ask my wife} - but boy was I wrong! Just like a bug hitting the windshield!
The name "Pharisees" comes from a Hebrew word meaning "separate."
This term was applied to this sect because of its extreme devotion to the Mosaic law and commitment to leading a separated life. This was a reaction of the devout Jews who came back to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity, and saw the pagan customs and influences of the Babylonians everywhere. Not only their religion but their identity as a nation was being threatened. The Pharisees were patriots as well as religious zealots, who in the beginning served a very useful and needed function in the Jewish nation which was struggling for survival.
However, over the centuries the Pharisees had departed from the Mosaic law and had written their own interpretations of the law - interpretations which they held to be God-inspired and equal to that of Moses. {many churches and religions tend to follow this type of man made thinking} - In Jesus' day this group was characterized by hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They, as a whole, persecuted Jesus and His followers and received the
Lord's most stinging rebukes.
The Pharisees, like many people today, were ignorant of achieving right standing (righteousness) with God through the simple act of receiving His forgiveness by faith
and were trying to earn salvation by their own acts.
No one can fulfill God's commands
(Rom. 3:23) except Jesus (Heb. 4:15).
Therefore, to be righteous, we must put our faith in what He has done for us.
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