In the church world today, it’s almost instinctive to associate Phariseeism with folks on the far right. We picture the rule-keepers—the ones who are rigid, resistant to change, quick to draw lines and slow to show grace. And let’s be honest, there’s no shortage of that. Legalism is real. Some people seem more interested in controlling others than in helping them grow.
But if we’re going to be fair—and fairness is rare these days—we have to admit that the same spirit exists on the other side, too. Pharisees aren’t just found in conservative pews. You’ll find them in progressive circles as well. They might use different words, but the attitude is the same: gatekeeping, shaming, drawing their own lines in the sand. But underneath it all, it’s still about control.
And here’s what Billy Wilson told me tonight that really hits home: “Jordy, you can even be a middle-of-the-road Pharisee.”
Ouch.
I’m thankful for such wounds by a faithful friend.
This isn’t just a left or right issue. It’s a heart issue.
A Pharisee, at their core, is someone who puts issues, ideologies, or even secondary doctrines ahead of people—people made in the image of God. They’re so focused on being right that they excuse themselves from grace and lovingkindness.
I’m not talking politics here. This isn’t about who you vote for. I’m talking about your religious orientation. And whether you lean traditional or progressive, the moment you start using your convictions as a weapon, or as an excuse to exempt yourself from having to actually love fellow believers on account of their convictions, you’ve missed the heart of the gospel.
Jesus came full of grace and truth. He never compromised on either. He wasn’t soft on sin, but He also wasn’t harsh with sinners. He saved His strongest words for the religious elite—the ones who looked the part, but lacked love.
The Pharisee isn’t always someone else. Sometimes he’s staring back at us in the mirror. Sometimes he’s cloaked in Bible verses and church attendance and good intentions—but still missing the point.
It’s not about being right, left, or somewhere in between. It’s about becoming more like Jesus.
Maranatha,
Jordy
