In the time of Jesus, the Jewish nation was full of different religious and political groups. Each group had its own beliefs, ideas, and influence among the people. This sects includes:
Religious and Political Parties During Jesus’ Time
1. The Pharisees
The Pharisees AKA (to be righteous) they were one of the most popular and powerful religious groups among the Jews. They strictly followed the Law of Moses and added their own traditions to it. They believed that obeying the law in every detail was the only way to please God.
They fasted often, paid tithes, and prayed publicly to show how religious they were. However, many of them were proud and looked down on others who did not follow the law like them. And this is why Jesus often called them the hypocrite.
Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees because they were hypocrites — they pretended to be holy, but their hearts were not right with God. They cared more about outward show than inner righteousness. The were the poor, uneducated and mostly traders.
Beliefs and practices of the Pharisees:
Believed in the resurrection of the dead.
Believed in angels and spirits.
Held strongly to the oral traditions of the elders.
Loved to be respected and greeted in public places.
2. The Sadducees
The Sadducees AKA (the sperate ones) they were a small but rich and powerful group. Most of them were priests and members of the ruling council known as the Sanhedrin. They were known for cooperating with the Roman government to keep their political position and wealth.
Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees did not believe in life after death, resurrection, angels, or spirits. They only accepted the written Law of Moses and rejected oral traditions.
They were not popular with the common people because they were mostly rich and proud. Jesus also warned His followers about their wrong teachings. The were temple worshippers, thus disappeared after the destruction of the temple.
Beliefs and characteristics of the Sadducees:
Did not believe in resurrection or angels.
Accepted only the written law (Torah).
Worked closely with Roman authorities.
Focused more on politics and power than religion.
3. The Scribes
The Scribes were not really a separate sect but were known as teachers and interpreters of the law (lawyers) They studied the scriptures deeply, interpret it and taught people in synagogues. Many of them were also Pharisees.
They were respected by the people because they could read, write, and explain the law clearly. But some of them misused their position to exploit the poor. Jesus criticized them for their pride and hypocrisy.
Functions of the Scribes:
Taught the law in synagogues.
Copied and preserved the scriptures.
Served as legal advisers in Jewish courts.
Worked closely with the Pharisees.
4. The Zealots
The Zealots, AKA (freedom fighters) were a political group who believed that God’s people should not be ruled by foreigners. They hated the Roman government and were ready to fight for Jewish freedom.
They believed that the Messiah would come as a warrior to lead them against Rome. Some of them were violent and used force to achieve their goals. They kidnapped and requested for ransom.
One of Jesus’ disciples, Simon, was called Simon the Zealot, which shows that even among Jesus’ followers there were people from different backgrounds.
Beliefs and activities of the Zealots:
Believed in total freedom from Roman rule.
Rejected paying taxes to Rome.
Used violence and rebellion.
Hoped for a political Messiah.
5. The Herodians
The Herodians were a political group who supported King Herod and his family. They cooperated with the Romans because they wanted to keep their political position.
The Herodians did not care much about religion; they were more interested in politics. However, they sometimes joined the Pharisees to oppose Jesus, especially when they saw Him as a threat to Herod’s rule.
Beliefs and attitudes of the Herodians:
Supported Herod’s government.
Loyal to the Romans.
Opposed Jesus’ growing influence.
Mixed politics with religion.
6. The Essenes
The Essenes were a quiet religious group who separated themselves from society. They believed that the world was full of evil and corruption, so they lived in isolated communities, especially near the Dead Sea.
They lived simple lives, prayed often, and followed strict rules about purity and holiness. Some Bible scholars believe that John the Baptist had some connection with this group because of his simple and holy lifestyle.
Practices of the Essenes:
Lived in separate communities.
Shared their possessions.
Practiced fasting and prayer.
Avoided marriage and worldly pleasures.
7. The Sanhedrin
The Sanhedrin was the highest Jewish council made up of elders, priests, and scribes. It was like the supreme court of the Jews. The council decided matters of law and religion.
Both Pharisees and Sadducees were members, but they often disagreed on many issues. The Sanhedrin was the group that judged Jesus and condemned Him to death before handing Him over to the Romans.
Functions of the Sanhedrin:
Interpreted the law.
Judged criminal and religious cases.
Advised the Roman authorities on Jewish matters.
How These Groups Affected Jesus’ Ministry
During Jesus’ time, these groups caused division among the people. Some supported Him, while others opposed Him.
The Pharisees and Sadducees ( most hostile sects) often tried to trap Jesus with questions about the law. The Herodians and priests plotted to kill Him because they feared losing power. The ordinary people, who were tired of the oppression and hypocrisy, listened to Jesus gladly.
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