The Pharisees, Sadducees, And Herodians

The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians were the principal political/religious groups who held authority and power over the Jews during the time of Jesus. Jesus repeatedly warned His disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and of the Herodians. In using the word “leaven”, Jesus is essentially warning His disciples to beware of the corrupted teachings and doctrines of these leadership groups. Despite the teachings and doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees being quite different, and the Herodians being more of a political party, these leadership groups were all united in opposing the claims of Jesus. This essay intends to expound upon what exactly the teachings and doctrines of these groups were. Starting with the

Scholars have several theories on how this vague sect came into existence. The first theory states that the Herodians were a priestly party that originated from the family of Boethus during the reign of King Herod and his successors. It is believed that one of the daughters of Boethus had married King Herod and several of the sons of Boethus were subsequently appointed to the high priesthood. Scholars also believe that the family of Boethus was an offshoot, or variation, of the Sadducees seeing that they shared several theological beliefs, most notably their denial of immortality or the resurrection of the dead. The Herodians and the Sadducees also both supported the Roman government and both parties are believed to have been made up of very wealthy individuals. In fact, many scholars believe that the Herodians and the Sadducees were virtually interchangeable, although such claims remain speculative. The second theory upholds that the Herodians were a political party whose goal was to further the Herodian dynasty. This theory speculates that the Herodians believed that Herod was the Messiah. This controversial theory is not generally accepted. The third, and most probable, theory is that the Herodians were simply a disorganized group of Hellenistic Jews that supported the Herodian dynasty

They were each responsible for the false teaching and doctrines that they were transmitting to the Jews. The Pharisees belief that the Law as open to interpretation as well as the great value they placed on the Law, especially the oral Law, saw them placing importance on their works and outward piety. Jesus saw the Pharisee's self-righteousness and pride. In Luke 11:39 He tells them, “Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.” Unlike the Pharisees, the Sadducees believed the was that the Law that was given to Moses was to be interpreted literally. They rejected such ideas as immortality, the resurrection of the dead, and the existence of angels. The Sadducees were loyal to Rome and not only did Jesus seem like a threat to their Roman authorities, Jesus also constantly spoke about the beliefs which they had rejected. Like the Sadducees, the Herodians were loyal to both Herod and Rome. Jesus stating His authority as the Son of God was perceived as a dangerous threat against Herod and the Roman authorities. Despite the differences and conflicts between each of these sects, they united in their mission to see Christ crucified. Each of these Jewish sects was responsible for stirring up the multitude against Jesus until He was condemned to death on the