Acting Like The Pharisees

Throughout His public ministry, Jesus was often confronted by the Pharisees. They were a group of very religious Jewish zealots who are mentioned several times in the New Testament. They loved the Law of Moses and wanted nothing to do with Gentiles. Their interpretation of the law caused them to be at odds with Jesus? New Covenant, mainly because it was extended to all people. The most famous member of the Pharisees was Saul of Tarsus, who later went on to become St. Paul.

When we read of the Pharisees in the Bible, it usually involves a confrontation with Jesus. In the gospel of today?s Mass (Mk 8:11-13), they approach The Lord and demand a sign from heaven ?to test Him?. Jesus, knowing that they are testing Him, refuses to provide a sign. When we read of such encounters, we grow angry and are thankful that we don?t behave in this manner.

But just as the Pharisees didn?t feel that God?s mercy should extend to Gentiles, we often feel the same way about non-Christians or other individuals. One of the most common pet-peeves of Catholics is the people who come to Mass ?at Christmas and Easter?. We are often critical of them because they crowd the Church and don?t know when to sit and stand. I?ve heard a very devout Catholic say that they refused to move in for somebody who arrived late at Mass. Isn?t this the way the Pharisees acted? Another problem arises when Catholics don?t follow the teachings of the Church. Rather than take the Pharisaical approach and shun them, shouldn?t we instead reach out and explain what the Church teaches? It?s quite possible that they just don?t know any better.

I have to admit that I am sometimes guilty of this behavior. My love for the Catholic Church often causes me to ?lash out? in an uncharitable way when someone criticizes the Church or her teachings. Although it is important that we defend the Church, we must always do it with compassion. St. Peter tells us, ?Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who defame your good conduct in Christ may themselves be put to shame.? (1 Pt 3:15-16)
Ironically, even though St. Paul was himself a Pharisee, he is now known as ?The Apostle to the Gentiles?! Let?s ask Paul to help us remember that the Good News of Jesus Christ is not an exclusive club, but is open to everyone.
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5 Responses to Acting Like The Pharisees

  1. Lester Rees says:

    Catholics are the biggest Pharisees I have ever laid witness to in my life! I was baptized and raised as a Catholic. In fact, I went to Catholic schools from 1st grade through 10th grade. During my involvement with the Catholic Church, most all of the fellow Catholics I interacted with did such a good job with all their rituals, trinkets, and words but, in their conduct with others, they were a wicked lot, much like the Pharisees described in the New Testament.
    It was that which made me turn from the Catholic Church and Christianity altogether. While I regret doing the later, I have no regrets at all doing the former.
    By God sending me some TRUE believers to witness to me, it became revealed to me that Catholicism is nothing more than pseudo-Christianity. Many things that Catholics believe in and do are not even in the Bible and totally contradict what is in the Bible.
    “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins and that ye receive not of her plagues.”–Rev. 18:4

  2. Gary Z. says:

    Lester,

    Thanks for sharing your opinion. I’m sorry that you had a bad experience with Catholics. Since the Church is made up of imperfect people this is bound to happen from time to time. It takes place in all religions. It’s important that you don’t confuse the Catholic Church (which is protected from error by The Holy Spirit) with the imperfect people that are the members of the Church.

    I urge you to investigate the origins the Catholic Faith into which you were baptized. Ask The Lord to guide you to the one true Church that He founded. If you remain objective I think that you will conclude that the Catholic Church contains the fullness of truth.

    Also please consider that nowhere in the Bible does it say that everything needed for salvation is contained in the Bible. In fact, The Bible (Jn 21) tells us that Jesus did many things that aren’t contained in the Bible.

    As far as Catholicism contradicting the Bible, I must point out that the Catholic Church is responsible for putting the Bible together. Where in the Bible does it provide a list of books that should be contained in the Bible? By using the Bible, you are accepting the authority of the Catholic Church which decided on the books that should be included.

    You can research this on your own or contact us at thecatholictruth@yahoo.com and we can assist you.

    Above all, don’t give up your quest for the truth. Jesus is obviously calling you to return to Him!

    God Bless,
    Gary

  3. Anonymous says:

    Yeah. Those origins would include the Babylonian mystery religions.

    Wow. Gary… Do you ever test by researching the arguments AGAINST Catholicism?? I urge YOU!

    Seriously, I have many friends who are Catholic, but I hope so dear that they are truly CHRISTIAN.

    You push the fact that the Catholic church put together the KJV. That's great. But they also killed thousands and thousands of Christians who refused to worship the Pope as God bc they chose to remain in Biblical truth.

    God can use anything for His purpose… even something based off of, and operating off of, blasphemous doctrine (the Pope claiming he is God).

    But what really gets me is learning of the endtime prophecy alignment.

    To find out that the Catholic religion has carried on numerous Babylonian mystery religion traditions, then to find out about the 666 FORMULA (not JUST the vicar of Christ title adding up to 666 too, or the seven hills being a name for Rome BUT ALL THAT TOO)…using the Pope's names.

    THEN!! I find out that Catholicism has ITS OWN prophecy dating back hundreds of years, stating the next Pope is the last ALSO!

    THEN to find out that the Babylonian mystery religion had 37 fearsome "gods", and the 37th (and last) was the most fearsome added up to 666 as well..!

    I MEAN C'MON!…

    Babylonian traditions + the Vicar title adding up to 666 AND being on the Pope's head + the seven hills + the 666 formula using Pope names (represented as horns in Revelation) saying the next Pope is the last PLUS Catholicism's OWN Pope-prophecy saying THE SAME THING TOO (and it's Peter the Roman back "to judge his sheep" no less + the formula being a Babylonian mystery religion "thing" = perfectly lining up with the whole "whore of Babylon" prophecy!

    And I found out all of this over time. Shocked EACH time by the confirmations.

    Fair warning Gary. Don't worship the beast.

  4. Sananda says:

    Personally, I believe the Pope to be a false prophet as these statements attest to.

    The center of Christianity is the Vatican City, yet Jesus never stepped foot in Rome. He never held "church" sessions or adorned himself in pretentious and opulent regalia as the Pope and the rest of the priest-craft do.

    The very words of these Popes are such that they proclaim themselves "God on earth" for all Roman Catholics to adore. "The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, he is Jesus Christ himself" – Roman Catholic National, July 1895.

    The Roman Catholic church proclaims loudly that Jesus is dead and unable to help you. Walk into any Roman Catholic church and you will see a dead Jesus on a cross and a dead Jesus in the arms of His mother. The Roman Catholic church declares that you must bow before and display acts of worship unto a man called "Pope".

    The title "Lord God the Pope" is found within a gloss of Extravagances of Pope John XXII, title 14, chapter 4. However, the Word of God exposes them graphically when it is written: Romans 1:25 – "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen."

    The Roman Catholic church declares that all should pray unto Mary, Joseph, Therese, and hundreds of other saints. The Roman Catholic church even goes so far at to declare Mary as your Saviour.

    Roman Catholics have to confess their sins to a Priest, yet only God can forgive a sin.

    Jesus said, "Those that worship me shall do so not in a building built with hands but in spirit and in truth". Jesus never asked the question "What church denomination are you" or "Does your church believe in the Holy Spirit?" or "Is your church a non-profit corporation?".

    The Roman Catholic church is by no means the only perpetrator of this facade. Other "organized" religions, including the Christian and Jewish faiths, are just as guilty of this mass deception.

  5. todd vetter says:

    I found this link to be some of the greatest objective truth ever produced by a Catholic. All Christians are Catholic even if they do not admit it to themselves.

    Check this link.

    http://www.thedeathandresurection.com/pdf/the%20death%20and%20resurrection.pdf

    God Bless

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