In the New Testament, the term "Pharisee's house" refers to the homes of members of the Pharisaic sect, a prominent Jewish religious group during the Second Temple period. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that they believed were equally authoritative. The Gospels provide several accounts of Jesus visiting the homes of Pharisees, which serve as significant settings for His teachings and interactions.

Biblical Accounts:

1. Dinner at Simon the Pharisee's House (Luke 7:36-50): One of the most notable accounts involving a Pharisee's house is found in Luke 7:36-50. In this passage, Jesus is invited to dine at the home of Simon, a Pharisee. During the meal, a sinful woman enters the house and anoints Jesus' feet with perfume, wiping them with her hair. Simon questions Jesus' prophetic insight, doubting His awareness of the woman's sinful reputation. Jesus responds with a parable about two debtors, illustrating the depth of forgiveness and love. He emphasizes that those who are forgiven much, love much, and He forgives the woman's sins, highlighting His authority and compassion.

"Then Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house. You did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.'" (Luke 7:44)

2. Rebuking Hypocrisy at a Pharisee's House (Luke 11:37-54): Another significant event occurs when Jesus is invited to dine at a Pharisee's house, as recorded in Luke 11:37-54. During the meal, Jesus does not perform the traditional ceremonial washing before eating, which astonishes His host. Jesus uses this opportunity to rebuke the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, emphasizing that they focus on outward appearances while neglecting inner righteousness. He pronounces a series of woes upon them, criticizing their legalism and lack of justice and love for God.

"But the Lord said to him, 'Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.'" (Luke 11:39)

3. Healing on the Sabbath at a Pharisee's House (Luke 14:1-6): In Luke 14:1-6, Jesus is again at the house of a prominent Pharisee on the Sabbath. A man suffering from dropsy is present, and Jesus poses a question to the Pharisees and experts in the law about the legality of healing on the Sabbath. Receiving no answer, Jesus heals the man and challenges their understanding of the Sabbath law, pointing out their inconsistency in caring for animals on the Sabbath while objecting to acts of mercy.

"And He took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way. Then He asked them, 'Which of you, if your son or ox falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?'" (Luke 14:4-5)

Cultural and Religious Context:

The Pharisees were influential in Jewish society, often holding positions of authority in synagogues and the Sanhedrin. Their homes would have been places of religious discussion and social gatherings. The interactions between Jesus and the Pharisees in their homes reveal the tension between Jesus' teachings and the Pharisaic interpretation of the Law. Jesus often used these settings to challenge their legalism and to reveal the heart of God's commandments, emphasizing mercy, justice, and faithfulness over ritualistic observance.

Theological Significance:

The accounts of Jesus in Pharisee's houses underscore His mission to reach all people, including those who were often seen as His adversaries. These encounters highlight the themes of forgiveness, the true nature of righteousness, and the kingdom of God. Jesus' willingness to engage with the Pharisees in their own homes demonstrates His desire to call all to repentance and to reveal the transformative power of God's love and grace.