In the New Testament, Jewish leaders and bystanders play significant roles in the narrative of Jesus Christ's ministry, crucifixion, and the early church. These groups are often depicted in various interactions with Jesus and His followers, reflecting a range of responses from opposition to curiosity.

Jewish Leaders:

1. Pharisees: The Pharisees were a prominent religious group known for their strict adherence to the Law and traditions. They frequently clashed with Jesus over interpretations of the Law and issues of authority. In Matthew 23, Jesus criticizes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces" (Matthew 23:13). Despite their opposition, some Pharisees, like Nicodemus, showed interest in Jesus' teachings (John 3:1-21).

2. Sadducees: The Sadducees were another influential sect, known for their denial of the resurrection and emphasis on the written Law. They often challenged Jesus on theological matters, as seen in Matthew 22:23-33, where they question Him about the resurrection. Jesus rebukes them, saying, "You are mistaken because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God" (Matthew 22:29).

3. Scribes: Scribes were experts in the Law and often associated with the Pharisees. They played a role in the legal and religious life of Israel. Jesus frequently criticized them for their legalism and lack of understanding of the heart of the Law (Mark 12:38-40).

4. Chief Priests and Sanhedrin: The chief priests and the Sanhedrin, the ruling council, were instrumental in the plot to arrest and crucify Jesus. They saw Jesus as a threat to their authority and the stability of their relationship with the Roman occupiers. In Mark 14:55, it is noted, "The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any" .

Bystanders:

1. Crowds: The crowds in the Gospels often followed Jesus, drawn by His teachings and miracles. They are depicted as fickle, at times praising Him, as during the Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21:9), and later calling for His crucifixion (Mark 15:13-14). The crowd's reaction reflects the varied public opinion about Jesus during His ministry.

2. Common People: Many ordinary Jews, including tax collectors and sinners, were drawn to Jesus' message of repentance and forgiveness. In Luke 15:1-2, it is recorded, "Now all the tax collectors and sinners were gathering around to listen to Jesus. So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: 'This man welcomes sinners and eats with them'" .

3. Witnesses of Miracles: Those who witnessed Jesus' miracles often responded with amazement and faith. In John 9, the healing of the man born blind leads to a division among the people, with some believing in Jesus and others skeptical of His authority.

4. Roman Authorities: Although not Jewish, Roman authorities like Pontius Pilate played a crucial role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion. Pilate's interactions with the Jewish leaders and the crowd highlight the political and social tensions of the time (John 19:12-16).

The interactions between Jesus and these groups reveal the complex social and religious dynamics of first-century Judea. The Jewish leaders' resistance to Jesus' message and the varied responses of the bystanders underscore the challenges and opposition faced by Jesus during His earthly ministry.