Understanding the Dangers of Pharisaical Influence in Modern Faith
Throughout Scripture, one cannot miss the repeated warnings against the influence of the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders in Jesus’ time who, despite their outward piety, often prioritized appearances and legalism over true spiritual integrity. For the church today, these warnings remain profoundly relevant. Jesus’ caution to His disciples in Matthew 16:6—”Watch out! Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees”—serves as an eternal reminder to guard against the creeping influence of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and empty religiosity.
Who Were the Pharisees?
The Pharisees were a prominent Jewish religious group during the Second Temple period (515 BCE–70 CE). Known for their devotion to the Torah, they upheld both the written law and oral traditions, believing that these laws were essential for maintaining holiness and community identity. Their practices included rigorous adherence to more than 600 laws and a focus on priestly purity and resurrection theology.
Despite their intentions, the Pharisees often fell into the trap of legalism, focusing on the letter of the law rather than its spirit. They were respected as legal experts and synagogue leaders, but their rigid interpretations and self-righteous attitudes earned them frequent rebukes from Jesus.
The Pharisaical Spirit Defined
The “pharisaical spirit” represents a mindset characterized by hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and an overemphasis on outward appearances. It prioritizes rigid adherence to rules while neglecting matters of the heart, such as love, mercy, and justice. In modern terms, this spirit manifests in behaviors that elevate form over substance, creating barriers to authentic spiritual growth and meaningful relationships within the faith community.
Some synonyms that capture the essence of this attitude include “holier-than-thou,” “pietistic,” and “sanctimonious.” These behaviors can quietly infiltrate churches, creating an environment where performance and appearance take precedence over genuine faith and humility.
Biblical Warnings Against Pharisaical Influence
Jesus spoke out against the Pharisees and their behaviors on numerous occasions, providing timeless lessons for believers. Two key passages illustrate the dangers of a pharisaical mindset:
Matthew 23: Hypocrisy and Pride
In Matthew 23, Jesus delivers a scathing critique of the Pharisees, labeling them as hypocrites. He condemns their actions for several reasons:
- They do not practice what they preach.
- They lay heavy burdens on others but do nothing to help carry them.
- They perform deeds to be seen by others, seeking recognition and honor.
Jesus’ criticism centers on their obsession with outward appearances, such as wearing elaborate garments and occupying seats of honor, while neglecting the heart of God’s law: love, mercy, and justice.
Luke 18:9-15: The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
In this parable, Jesus contrasts the attitudes of a Pharisee and a tax collector in prayer. The Pharisee boasts about his righteousness, listing his religious accomplishments, while looking down on the tax collector. The tax collector, in contrast, humbly acknowledges his sin and seeks God’s mercy. Jesus concludes that it is the tax collector, not the Pharisee, who is justified before God.
This story vividly illustrates the dangers of self-righteousness and the importance of humility in our relationship with God.
Modern-Day Phariseeism
The church today is not immune to the risks of Pharisaical influence. Modern “Pharisees” may be those who:
- Seek to appear righteous by strictly adhering to certain rules while ignoring the deeper matters of the faith.
- Focus on public recognition and validation, often prioritizing works over genuine relationships with God and others.
- Judge others harshly while failing to address their own shortcomings.
This mindset can create barriers to spiritual growth, fostering an environment of fear, shame, and competitiveness rather than love, grace, and unity.
The “Leaven” Metaphor
Jesus’ use of “leaven” as a metaphor is particularly striking. In biblical times, leaven was often associated with sin because of the way it spreads and permeates everything. A small amount of leaven can affect an entire batch of dough, just as a small amount of hypocrisy or self-righteousness can corrupt a faith community.
For the church, this means vigilance is required to prevent such attitudes and practices from taking root. The presence of even a few individuals exhibiting Pharisaical tendencies can influence the broader culture of a congregation.
Guarding Against Pharisaical Influence
To safeguard the church from the leaven of the Pharisees, believers must cultivate the following qualities:
1. Humility
Humility is the antidote to self-righteousness. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, God calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” A humble heart prioritizes others over self and seeks to serve rather than to be served.
2. Authenticity
Genuine faith involves transparency and vulnerability. This means acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses before God and others, rejecting the temptation to present a polished but false exterior.
3. Focus on Love and Mercy
Jesus consistently emphasized love and mercy as the core of God’s law. Rather than fixating on rules, believers are called to extend grace and compassion to others, reflecting God’s character.
4. Accountability
Healthy accountability within the church helps prevent the rise of Pharisaical attitudes. Leaders and members alike should encourage one another to stay aligned with the teachings of Jesus, prioritizing spiritual growth over appearances.
A Call to Self-Reflection
As individuals and as a church, it is crucial to regularly examine our hearts and practices. Are we prioritizing the spirit of God’s law over its letter? Are we fostering genuine relationships, or are we more concerned with appearances? These questions help us remain vigilant against the dangers of Pharisaical influence.
Conclusion
The warning to “beware of the leaven of the Pharisees” is as relevant today as it was in Jesus’ time. By guarding against the subtle creep of hypocrisy, self-righteousness, and legalism, the church can remain a place of grace, love, and authenticity. Let us heed this warning and strive to embody the humility, mercy, and compassion that reflect the heart of Christ. In doing so, we protect not only our own spiritual integrity but also the unity and vitality of the body of Christ.
Minister A Francine Green
November 2025
afrancinegreen.com 