What did the disciples do wrong according to the Pharisees?
The New Testament is filled with instances of conflict between the Pharisees and the disciples of Jesus. These conflicts often arise from the Pharisees’ perception of what the disciples did wrong. Understanding the Pharisees’ perspective can provide insight into the cultural and religious context of the time, as well as the underlying reasons for the tension between these two groups.
One of the primary issues the Pharisees had with the disciples was their perceived disregard for the Jewish laws and traditions. According to the Pharisees, the disciples were guilty of several transgressions, which included:
1. Breaking the Sabbath: The Pharisees strictly adhered to the Sabbath laws, which prohibited any form of work or activity on this holy day. They believed that the disciples were guilty of breaking the Sabbath by performing certain actions, such as picking grain or healing the sick, which they considered work.
2. Not following Jewish customs: The Pharisees were also concerned about the disciples’ failure to adhere to Jewish customs, such as the purification rituals and dietary laws. They believed that the disciples’ disregard for these customs made them unclean and unworthy of being in the presence of God.
3. Teaching false doctrines: The Pharisees accused the disciples of teaching false doctrines that contradicted the teachings of the scribes and the oral law. They believed that the disciples were misleading the people and causing them to stray from the true path of Judaism.
4. Associating with sinners: The Pharisees were appalled by the disciples’ association with sinners and tax collectors. They believed that this association made the disciples themselves sinners and unworthy of their own religious community.
5. Not strictly observing the laws of purity: The Pharisees were concerned about the disciples’ lack of strict adherence to the laws of purity, which governed their interactions with the world. They believed that the disciples’ leniency in this area was a sign of their spiritual weakness.
While the Pharisees’ accusations may seem unfounded from a modern perspective, it is essential to understand that their concerns were rooted in their deep commitment to the Jewish faith and their interpretation of the laws and traditions. The Pharisees believed that their way was the only true way, and any deviation from their teachings was considered a sin.
In conclusion, according to the Pharisees, the disciples did wrong by breaking the Sabbath, not following Jewish customs, teaching false doctrines, associating with sinners, and not strictly observing the laws of purity. These perceived transgressions were at the heart of the conflict between the Pharisees and the disciples, and they played a significant role in shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the time.
