The Pharisees, a prominent Jewish sect during the Second Temple period, are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels. Their reactions to Jesus and His teachings are pivotal in understanding the religious and social dynamics of the time. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and the oral traditions that had developed around it. They held significant influence over the religious life of the Jewish people and were often seen as the arbiters of Jewish law and tradition.

Reaction to Jesus' Authority and Teachings

The Pharisees often reacted with skepticism and hostility to Jesus' teachings and actions. They were particularly concerned with His authority, which He claimed was directly from God. In Matthew 9:11, the Pharisees questioned His association with tax collectors and sinners, asking His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" . This reaction highlights their concern with ritual purity and social boundaries, which Jesus frequently challenged.

Conflict Over the Sabbath

One of the most notable points of contention between Jesus and the Pharisees was the observance of the Sabbath. In Matthew 12:2, the Pharisees accused Jesus' disciples of breaking the Sabbath when they picked heads of grain to eat. Jesus responded by emphasizing the spirit of the law over the letter, saying, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:8). This assertion of authority over the Sabbath law was a direct challenge to the Pharisaic interpretation and led to increased tension.

Reaction to Miracles

The Pharisees also reacted to Jesus' miracles with suspicion and disbelief. In John 9, after Jesus healed a man born blind, the Pharisees investigated the miracle, questioning the man and his parents. They ultimately rejected the miracle's divine origin, saying, "We know that this man is a sinner" (John 9:24). Their reaction underscores their unwillingness to accept Jesus' divine authority and their commitment to their own interpretations of the law.

Accusations of Blasphemy

The Pharisees frequently accused Jesus of blasphemy, particularly when He claimed divine prerogatives. In Mark 2:7, when Jesus forgave the sins of a paralytic, the Pharisees questioned, "Why does this man speak like this? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?" . This reaction reveals their understanding of Jesus' claims as a direct challenge to the monotheistic faith of Israel and their role as its protectors.

Plotting Against Jesus

The growing tension between Jesus and the Pharisees eventually led to their involvement in plots against Him. In John 11:47-53, after the raising of Lazarus, the Pharisees convened a council with the chief priests, expressing concern that Jesus' growing influence would provoke Roman intervention. They concluded, "It is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish" (John 11:50). This reaction illustrates their fear of losing power and their willingness to conspire against Jesus to maintain the status quo.

Summary

The Pharisees' reactions to Jesus were characterized by skepticism, hostility, and ultimately, a desire to eliminate what they perceived as a threat to their religious authority and the stability of Jewish society. Their interactions with Jesus highlight the tension between adherence to traditional interpretations of the law and the new covenant that Jesus proclaimed.