The Life of Jesus (26) The Jewish System. Previously We are studying the week that changed History Jesus triumphant entry Cleansing the temple “By what.

The Life of Jesus (26)

The Jewish System

Previously

• We are studying the week that changed History

• Jesus triumphant entry

• Cleansing the temple

• “By what authority?”

Today:

• The Jewish climate at that time

• Who were the various Jewish groups that challenged Jesus that week?

The Jewish System• Israel had a history of

corruption – idolatry, greed, hypocrisy, neglect, elitism, abuse of the Law, half-hearted worship, etc.

• NO matter what God did – they did not truly repent

The Jewish System

• AFTER captivity (ca536 BC) & completion of OT – developments included: Continued occupation, synagogues, the Septuagint, sects, Mishnah, etc.

The Jewish System

•Matt. 21:23 – Chief priests & elders came to Him

•Mark 11:27– adds, scribes.• Who were these?• What about Pharisees &

Sadducees? (Matt. 22:15, 22:23)

The Jewish System

• At that time - Israel (Judea, Samaria and Galilee) was under Roman occupation.

• Limited in their authority and governed by Roman appointed civil leaders – Pilate, Herod, Roman soldiers, etc.

The Jewish Leaders and

groups

The Sanhedrin

• “Seated together”• A group of 70 + High Priest

(Jerusalem), consisting of civic & religious leaders who governed affairs of the community.

• “The council” – Matt. 26:59, Lk. 22:66, etc.

The Sanhedrin

• Originated – their authority Num. 11:16-17, though the council we read of developed during the post-exilic period

The Sanhedrin

• It’s makeup – The High priest (Jerusalem)

• Sadducees

• Pharisees

• Business & civil leaders

The Sanhedrin

• Jerusalem – the central Sanhedrin (including HP)Had authority governing matters of the Law of Moses that extended throughout the region – cf. Acts 9:1-2, 22:5

The Sanhedrin

• Purpose– address affairs of the Law, - civic administration,- governed the temple services (Jerusalem), - religious instruction, - justice in matters of the Law

The Sanhedrin

• Capital offenses– they were limited in such (depending on who was governing). Needed permission to put Jesus to death – Jn. 18:31 But stoned Stephen – Ac. 6:16, 7:58-59

The Sanhedrin

• Chief Priests – portion of Sanhedrin associated with High Priest and priesthood. Family members, etc.Prominent influence in Sanhedrin

The Sanhedrin

• High Priest – was a descendent of Aaron who interceded on behalf of Israel for their sins, etc.

The Sanhedrin

• High Priest – TWO High Priests mentioned at that time – Annas – John 18:13, 14 (AD 6-15, removed by Rome)

• Caiaphas – Matt. 26:3-4 (the “official” High Priest)

• The corruption of the High priesthood – a lucrative position

The Sanhedrin

• The elders – civic & religious leaders within the community – cf. Gen 50:7, Ex. 3:16, Ezra 5:5, etc.They had a stake in the affairs of Jesus

Scribes

• Scribes – a “professional group” who worked with the Law. Also called “lawyers” – Luke 7:46, Matt. 23:2-4, etc.They preserved the Law, taught the Law, & administered as judges and lawyers

The Sects

• Essenes – not mentioned in the Bible” – separatists who rejected the High Priesthood and temple worship as corrupt.Probably responsible of DSS

The Sects

• Zealots– probably began about AD 6. Advocated overthrow of the Roman Government. Refused to pay taxes.Simon, the apostle, was a (former) Zealot – Lk. 16:15, Acts 1:13

The Sects

• Sadducees– the priestly and aristocratic sect

• Accepted only the Torah (5 books of Moses). Conservative interpretation of Law, but they were morally liberal.

• Denied a resurrection – Matt. 22:23-24

• Sought active allegiance with Rome – Jn.. 11:48, 19:15

The Sects

• Sadducees– Lessons:• We must respect ALL of God’s

word and laws• Fatefulness and materialism

do NOT mix! Matt. 6:24• What will you give up to follow

Jesus?

The Sects

• Pharisees – most numerous sect consisting of middle class and more “in touch”

• Accepted whole Law, but also developed and bound the “Mishnah” – oral traditions.

• It was these teachings Jesus challenged - Matt. 15:1-9

The Sects

• Pharisees – Reasoned that exact law keeping entitled them to salvation

• Attitude problems – arrogance, moral corruption, etc. Matt. 23:4,14, 23, 25, 15:4-5, etc.

The Sects

• Pharisees – NOT all those in sects were corrupt (Joseph of Arimathea – Lk. 23:50-51, Nicodemus – Jn. 3:1)! Nor were all their ideas wrong

• Jesus NEVER condemned law keeping - Matt. 23:23

The Sects

• Pharisees – Lessons: • Respect the boundaries of

God’s Law (cf. 1 Cor. 4:6)• Understand the difference

between God’s word and traditions

• Check our attitude in dealing with others

•May we learn from Jesus what to do, but ALSO from those that dealt with Him – both good and bad!

•FOLLOW JESUS!