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 intent, as depicted in the New Testament, often appears multifaceted, encompassing both genuine religious devotion and a more problematic inclination towards legalism and self-righteousness.

Religious Devotion and Legalism

The Pharisees were deeply committed to the observance of the Torah and the oral traditions that they believed were essential to maintaining the purity of the Jewish faith. They sought to apply the Law to every aspect of daily life, emphasizing ritual purity, tithing, and Sabbath observance. This dedication is evident in passages such as Matthew 23:23, where Jesus acknowledges their meticulous tithing practices: "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."

However, their focus on external observance often led to a neglect of the more profound ethical demands of the Law. Jesus frequently criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy and for prioritizing human traditions over God's commandments. In Mark 7:6-8, He rebukes them, saying, "Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: 'These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.' You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men."

Self-Righteousness and Opposition to Jesus

The Pharisees' intent also included a self-righteous attitude that often placed them in opposition to Jesus. They were concerned with maintaining their religious authority and were threatened by Jesus' teachings, which challenged their interpretations of the Law and exposed their spiritual shortcomings. In John 11:47-48, the chief priests and Pharisees express their fear of losing influence: "Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, 'What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.'"

Their intent to protect their status and control is further illustrated by their attempts to trap Jesus in His words and discredit Him before the people. In Matthew 22:15, it is recorded, "Then the Pharisees went out and plotted to trap Jesus in His words." This opposition culminated in their role in the events leading to Jesus' crucifixion, as they sought to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their religious and social order.

Conclusion

The intent of the Pharisees, as portrayed in the New Testament, reveals a complex interplay of sincere religious devotion marred by legalism, self-righteousness, and a resistance to the transformative message of Jesus Christ. Their account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing external religious observance over the internal transformation of the heart.