Who Were The Pharisees? 

​​​Chapter 12

 

The Mercy of the Pharisees

What Christian Teaching Often Overlooks

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It grieves me that in some Christian teachings the label "Pharisees" is used so negitively. After I came to believe that Yeshua is the Messiah I read the New Testament and my first thought was, "how can Gentiles understand all of this?"

 

It is difficult for some of their teachers to see the scriptures through the lens of the Jewish writers. They either don't know what they don't know or "bless their hearts", avoid the Jewish roots of the Gospel intentionally which is very sad!

 

If they didn't avoid it, there might be much less Christian anti-semitism!   The New Testament preserves examples of Pharisees showing kindness, hospitality, concern, generosity, and respect toward Yeshua. These passages reveal a side of the Pharisees that is rarely emphasized in Christian teaching.

 

In Luke 13:31, several Pharisees came to Yeshua with an urgent warning:

“Get out and depart from here, for Herod wants to kill you.”

They learned that Yeshua’s life was in danger and made sure he knew about it. They did not remain silent. They approached him personally and gave him information that could help protect him. Their action demonstrates concern for his safety.

The Gospels also record Pharisees welcoming Yeshua into their homes. Luke 7:36 says:

 

“One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him.”

Luke 11:37 records another Pharisee inviting Yeshua to dine, and Luke 14:1 describes Yeshua eating in the home of a leading Pharisee.

Hospitality was an important expression of generosity and fellowship. Inviting someone into one’s home required preparation, food, time, and personal attention. These invitations show that Pharisees were willing to sit with Yeshua, listen to him, speak with him, and share their tables with him.

Nicodemus also approached Yeshua with respect. In John 3:2, he called him “Rabbi” and acknowledged that God was present in the signs Yeshua performed:

 

“Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God.”

Nicodemus came seeking understanding rather than merely repeating what others thought. He listened, asked questions, and allowed Yeshua to teach him. His willingness to approach Yeshua personally reflects humility and openness.

Nicodemus later expressed his care in an even more tangible way. John 19:39–40 records that he brought a large quantity of myrrh and aloes and helped prepare Yeshua’s body for burial.

This was not a small or casual gesture. Nicodemus gave valuable burial spices, his time, and his personal service. He treated Yeshua’s body with tenderness, generosity, and honor. His compassion was demonstrated through what he was willing to do.

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These passages give us a fuller picture of the Pharisees. Some warned Yeshua when he was in danger. Some welcomed him into their homes. Nicodemus listened to him respectfully and later cared for his body with generosity and dignity.

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Christian teaching often overlooks these moments. Yet they are part of the New Testament record and deserve to be remembered. The Pharisees should not be reduced to a stereotype that erases every act of kindness found in Scripture.

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When these passages are allowed to speak, we see Pharisees offering protection, hospitality, respectful conversation, generosity, and compassionate care. Their mercy is not an idea imposed upon the text. It is recorded in the text itself.