CHARACTER STUDY ~ PHARISEES

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The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that emerged during the second Temple period (515 BCE- 70 CE). They played a significant role in Jewish society and are frequently mentioned in the New Testament. They opposed Jesus and His disciples but were unsuccessful. Some came to learn from Jesus an example is Nicodemus whilst one (Saul who became known as Paul) was converted on the way of Damascus. 

Some Lessons to Learn From the Attitude of the Pharisees:
The Pharisees' story offers several valuable lessons which includes but not limited to:

√ The Attitude of Legalism as against Love: The Pharisees' strict adherence to rules and traditions often led them to prioritize law over love and compassion. This teaches us to balance rules with empathy and kindness.

√ The Attitude of Hypocrisy and Authenticity: Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, highlighting the importance of authenticity and integrity in our actions and words.

√ Conformity to the Spirit as against the Letter of the Law: The Pharisees often focused on the letter of the law, neglecting its spirit and purpose. This reminds us to seek the underlying principles and intentions behind rules and traditions. We must learn to be guided by the Holy Spirit in all things.

√ The Attitude of Humility and Self-Reflection: The Pharisees' self-righteousness and lack of self-awareness led to their downfall. This teaches us the value of humility, self-reflection, and recognizing our own flaws and weaknesses.

√ The Attitude of Compassion and Inclusion: The Pharisees' exclusivist attitudes and lack of compassion for outsiders (e.g., tax collectors, sinners) are a cautionary tale. We should strive for inclusivity, empathy, and kindness towards all people.

√ The Attitude of Tradition and Progress: The Pharisees' rigid adherence to tradition sometimes hindered their ability to adapt and grow. This reminds us to balance respect for tradition with openness to new ideas and progress.

√ The Attitude of Accountability and Self-Awareness: The Pharisees' failure to recognize their own shortcomings and accountability to God and others is a valuable lesson. We must regularly examine our actions, attitudes, and motivations to ensure alignment with our values and principles.

These lessons can be applied to our personal and communal lives, helping us to cultivate a more authentic, compassionate, and inclusive approach to faith, relationships, and personal growth.


Can you share what you've learned from today's study? Leave your comments in the comment section below. 

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