The Pharisees were a prominent religious group in Judea during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the traditions of the elders. Their influence extended beyond religious practices to social and political spheres, often positioning them as leaders and authorities within Jewish society. This entry explores the character of the Pharisees, particularly their ambition for precedence and recognition.

Ambition for Precedence

The Pharisees' desire for precedence is evident in several passages of the New Testament, where their actions and attitudes are critiqued by Jesus. They are often depicted as seeking honor and recognition from others, prioritizing their status and reputation over genuine piety and humility.

In Matthew 23:5-7 , Jesus highlights their behavior: "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of 'Rabbi' by which they are addressed." This passage underscores the Pharisees' desire for visible signs of piety and the respect that comes with religious authority.

The Pharisees' ambition is further illustrated in Luke 11:43 , where Jesus rebukes them: "Woe to you Pharisees! You love the chief seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces." Their love for prominent positions and public recognition reveals a focus on external appearances rather than the internal condition of the heart.

Criticism of Hypocrisy

The Pharisees' ambition for precedence often led to hypocrisy, as they emphasized outward religious observance while neglecting the weightier matters of the law. In Matthew 23:23-24 , Jesus criticizes them: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel."

This critique highlights the Pharisees' tendency to focus on minor details of the law to maintain their image of righteousness, while ignoring the fundamental principles of justice and mercy. Their ambition for precedence often resulted in a superficial form of religiosity that lacked true spiritual depth.

Desire for Authority

The Pharisees' ambition extended to their desire for authority over the people. They were seen as interpreters of the law and held significant sway in religious and social matters. In John 7:48-49 , the Pharisees express disdain for those who do not follow their teachings: "Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed."

Their authority was often challenged by Jesus, who exposed their self-serving motives and called for a return to genuine faithfulness to God. The Pharisees' ambition for precedence and authority often put them at odds with Jesus' teachings, which emphasized humility, service, and the inward transformation of the heart.

Conclusion

The Pharisees' character, marked by an ambition for precedence, is a recurring theme in the New Testament. Their desire for recognition, authority, and adherence to tradition often overshadowed the true essence of the law they claimed to uphold. Through His interactions with the Pharisees, Jesus called for a deeper understanding of righteousness that transcends outward appearances and seeks the heart of God's commandments.Matthew 23:6
And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... very frequently addresses us in the character of a ... by the false glosses of the Scribes
and Pharisees. ... human mind (which, puffed up with ambitious longings will ...
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