77 Bible Verses about Pharisees, Attitudes To Jesus Christ

Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees said, master, we should be glad you would shew us some miracle. but he answered them, this wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no other miracle shall they have, except that of the prophet Jonas. for as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly: so shall the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.read more.
the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment against this generation, and shall condemn it, because they were converted at the preaching of Jonas, and now there is one superiour to Jonas here. the queen of the south shall rise up at the day of judgement against this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and now a greater than Solomon is here.

and as the crowd grew more numerous, he thus began, this is a degenerate race of men: they demand a miracle: but no miracle shall be exhibited, but such as happen'd in the person of Jonas the prophet. for as the case of Jonas was a miraculous instance to the Ninevites, so shall the son of man be to this generation. the queen of the south shall rise up in the day of judgment against this generation, and condemn it: for she came from the remote parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; but now, a greater than Solomon is here.read more.
the people of Nineve shall rise up in the day of Judgment, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; but now, a greater than Jonas is here.

Then the Pharisees and the Sadducees came, with a captious design, and desired him to show them some miracle in the sky. but he answered them, in the evening you foretel fair weather: when the sky is of a bright red. and in the morning, a foul day: when the sky is of a dusky red. hypocrites, can ye judge of the appearance of the sky, and yet not discern the signs of these times?read more.
a wicked degenerate race demand a miracle; but no miracle shall they have beside that of the prophet Jonas. and so leaving them, he went away.

there the Pharisees being come, they began to dispute with him, and to try him, desir'd he would work some miracle in the sky. but Jesus fetching a deep sigh, said, why does this generation require a sign? I assure you, they shall have none.

The Pharisees likewise came to him, and maliciously propos'd this question, may a man lawfully put away his wife at discretion? and he answered them, have ye not read, that when the creator, at the beginning, made male and female, he said, "for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and be attach'd to his wife: and they two shall be one flesh?"read more.
so that they are not now two, but one. what therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. why then, said they, did Moses permit to give a writ of divorce to repudiate the wife? he answer'd them, 'twas because of your perverse temper that Moses suffered you to repudiate your wives: but from the beginning this was not in practice. and I tell you, that whoever shall put away his wife, except it be for adultery, and shall marry another, he committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her that is put away, causeth her to commit adultery.

then the Pharisees came and propos'd to him this insnaring question, is it lawful for a man to repudiate his wife? to which he answered, what direction did Moses give you? Moses, said they, allowed a bill of divorce, and so to dismiss her.read more.
but Jesus answered them, it was out of regard to your untractable temper, that Moses gave you this permission. for in the beginning of the world God formed them male and female. "wherefore, 'tis said, a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." consequently they are no longer two, but one person. let no man therefore separate what God has designed to be one.

Upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and consulted how they might insnare him in his discourse. they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men. tell us therefore, what is your opinion? is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or no?read more.
but Jesus perceiving their malice, said, why, hypocrites, would you insnare me? shew me the tribute money. and they brought him a penny. and he said unto them, whose image and inscription is this? they answer'd, Cesar's. then said he to them, render therefore unto Cesar, the things which are Cesar's: and unto God, the things that are God's. on hearing this, they were filled with admiration, and so leaving him, they went their way.

Then they sent some of the Pharisees, and of the Herodians to insnare him in his discourse. when they were come, they said to him, master, we know that you are sincere, that you are not influenced by any one, for you have no regard to the person of men: but teach us the way of God according to truth. now should we pay tribute to Cesar, or no? shall we pay, or shall we not pay? but he, perceiving their hypocrisy, said to them, why do you lay snares for me?read more.
let me see a penny. and when they brought it, he asked them, whose image and inscription is this? they said, Cesar's. to which Jesus reply'd, render to Cesar what belongs to Cesar, and to God what belongs to God. and they were surprized at the answer.

they watch'd then, and suborn'd spies, who under pretence of their tender consciences, might ensnare him in his discourse, and so betray him to the civil power and jurisdiction of the governor. they address'd him therefore in this manner; master, we know that what you say and teach is all right. you are not influenc'd by the quality of men, but explain the divine law with sincerity: should we pay tribute to Cesar, or no?read more.
but Jesus perceiving their malicious design, said to them, why do you practise upon me? show me a penny: whose image and inscription is this? they answer'd, Cesar's. render then, said he, to Cesar, what belongs to Cesar, and to God, what belongs to God. so not being able to take any advantage from his words, before the people, they said no more, being surpriz'd at his answer.

but the Pharisees hearing that he had dumb-founded the Sadducees, they met together in council. In the mean time one of them, a Doctor of the law, to try him, started this question, master, which is the most important commandment of the law?read more.
Jesus said to him, "thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." this is the first and most important precept, and the second has an affinity with it, "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy self." these two precepts comprehend the substance of all the law and the prophets.

One of the Scribes, that had heard their dispute, observing the propriety of his answers, propos'd this question to him, which is the principal commandment of all? Jesus answer'd him, the first of all the commandments is thus deliver'd, "hear, o Israel, the lord our God is the only lord. you shall therefore love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, to the utmost of your understanding, and all your faculties." this is the first commandment.read more.
and the second, which has an affinity to it, is this: "you shall love your neighbour as yourself." there is no other commandment greater than these. the Scribe replied, what you have said, master, is very true, there is one God, and no other but he. and to love him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, with all its faculties, and to love one's neighbour as one's self is more acceptable than all the offerings and sacrifices in the world. Jesus observing he answer'd so discreetly, said to him, you are not far from the kingdom of God. and no man after that was so hardy as to ask him any question.

then the Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman surprized in adultery; and when they had set her in the middle of the assembly, they said to him, master, this woman was actually taken in adultery. now Moses has ordain'd in the law, that such criminals should be stoned: but what is your opinion?read more.
they said this only to ensnare him, that they might have some accusation against him. but Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. and as they pressed him to answer, he rais'd himself, and said to them, he that is without sin among you, let him be the first that throws a stone at her. then stooping down again, he wrote on the ground. but they who heard that, being convicted by their own conscience, they all went old and young one after another, so that Jesus was left alone with the woman, who still kept her place. then Jesus raising himself, and seeing none but the woman there, he said to her, woman, where are your accusers? hath no man condemned thee? Lord, said she, no man. and Jesus said to her, neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

Then they sent some of the Pharisees, and of the Herodians to insnare him in his discourse. when they were come, they said to him, master, we know that you are sincere, that you are not influenced by any one, for you have no regard to the person of men: but teach us the way of God according to truth. now should we pay tribute to Cesar, or no? shall we pay, or shall we not pay?

Upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and consulted how they might insnare him in his discourse. they dispatch'd therefore some of their disciples, together with the Herodians, who thus address'd themselves to him; master, we know that you are sincere, and faithfully teach the divine law without fear or flattery: for you have no regard to the outward quality of men.

Then certain of the Scribes and of the Pharisees said, master, we should be glad you would shew us some miracle.

but the Pharisees hearing that he had dumb-founded the Sadducees, they met together in council. In the mean time one of them, a Doctor of the law, to try him, started this question, master, which is the most important commandment of the law?

which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character. in answer to his doubts, Jesus said, Simon, I have something to say to you. master, said he, lets hear it.

upon this some of the Pharisees, who were in the crowd, said to him, master, rebuke your disciples.

they address'd him therefore in this manner; master, we know that what you say and teach is all right. you are not influenc'd by the quality of men, but explain the divine law with sincerity:

who came to Jesus by night, and said to him, rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher sent from God: for no man can perform the miracles that you do, except God be with him.

then the Scribes and Pharisees brought a woman surprized in adultery; and when they had set her in the middle of the assembly, they said to him, master, this woman was actually taken in adultery.

While the Pharisees were still assembled, Jesus asked them, what think ye of Christ? whose son is he to be? they answered, David's. how comes it then, said he, that David by inspiration calls him Lord, in these words,read more.
" the Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool?" why then does David call him Lord, if He be David's son? but not a man was able to answer him a word, and from that time there was no body so hardy as to ask him any more questions.

As Jesus was teaching in the temple, he address'd himself to them, saying, why do the Scribes maintain that Christ is the son of David? for David himself, who was inspired by the holy spirit, has this expression, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou at my right hand till I make thy enemies thy foot-stool." now since David himself calls him Lord, how can he be David's son? and the common people heard him with pleasure.read more.
in the sequel of the discourse, he said to them, beware of the Scribes, who affect to walk about in their long robes, to be saluted in publick places, and to have the first seats in their synagogues, and at their feasts: who yet devour widows estates under the shew of making long prayers, such shall receive greater condemnation.

But Jesus said to them, you affirm the Messiah must be descended from David, how can that be? for in the book of Psalms David himself says, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool."read more.
if then David stiles the Messiah his Lord, how can he be descended from David?

At his departure thence, he went into their synagogue. where they brought a man with a withered hand: and asked him this insnaring question, is it lawful to heal on the sabbath-day? and he answer'd, which of you all that should have one of his sheep fall into a pit on the sabbath-day, would not bestir himself, and lift it out?read more.
is not a man of much greater consequence than a sheep? how lawful then is it to do good offices on the sabbath-day? then saith he to the man, stretch out thy hand: and be stretched it out; and it was made as sound as the other. Upon this the Pharisees went out of the synagogue, and form'd a conspiracy against his life.

Another time he entred into the synagogue, when a man was there who had a withered hand. the Pharisees watched Jesus, to see if he would heal him on the sabbath-day, that so they might accuse him. he said then to the man who had the withered hand, rise and stand there in the midst.read more.
and he ask'd them, is it allowed to do good, or to do mischief on the sabbath-days? to save life, or to kill? but they were very silent. then he looking with indignation at those about him, being concern'd at their disingenuous perverse temper, he said to the man, stretch out your hand, which he did, and his hand become sound. upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and immediately enter'd into a conspiracy with the Herodians to take away his life.

On another sabbath-day it happen'd, that he went into the synagogue to preach, where a man was present, who had the palsy in his right hand. now the Scribes and Pharisees were upon the watch to see if he would work a cure upon the sabbath-day, and so have matter of accusation against him. but as he knew their thoughts, he said to the man, whose hand was paralytic, rise up, and stand there in the middle. and he arose, and stood before him.read more.
then said Jesus to them, I will ask you one question, which is the most allowable on the sabbath-day, to do good, or to neglect it? to save a man's life, or to let him perish? then casting his eyes round the company, he said to the man, stretch out your hand. and he did so: and that hand was as sound as the other. whereupon they fell into a rage, and consulted together, what measures to take against Jesus.

and Jesus answered them, let me ask you one question, if ye answer me that, I shall likewise satisfy you by what authority I do these things. the baptism of John, whence was it? was it a divine or a human Institution? and they reasoned thus with themselves, if we say, it was divine; he will say, then, why did ye not believe him? but if we say, it was merely human, we are obnoxious to the people; for all hold John as a prophet.read more.
so they made answer, we cannot tell. and Jesus said, neither shall I tell you, by what authority I do these things.

Jesus replied to them, if you will answer one question, that I shall propose to you, then I will tell you by what authority I act thus. the baptism of John, was it of divine, or of human institution? answer me that. upon this they reasoned thus with themselves; if we should say, it was divine, he will urge, why then did you not believe him?read more.
if we should say, it was a human institution, we run a risk from the people. (for they all believed John was a true prophet.) they therefore gave Jesus this answer, we cannot tell. neither do I, said Jesus, acquaint you by what authority I act thus.

Jesus answer'd, I will ask you one question; tell me, the baptism of John, was it a divine or a human institution? but they reason'd thus with themselves, if we should say, it was divine, he will reply, why then did not you believe him?read more.
if we should assert, it was a human contrivance, the populace would stone us; for they are persuaded that John was a prophet. they answer'd then, they did not know which it was. Jesus replied, neither will I tell you by what authority I act thus.

One sabbath-day, Jesus went to dine with a Pharisee of the first distinction, where he was strictly observ'd. now there happen'd to be a man just by him, who had a dropsy. Jesus therefore addressing himself to the doctors of the law, and to the Pharisees, said, is it allowable to perform a cure on the sabbath-day? to which they made no answer.read more.
but he laid his hand upon the man, cured him, and dismissed him. Then continuing his discourse, which of you, said he, if his child or his ox fell into a pit, would not immediately draw him out, though it were on the sabbath-day? and they could not tell what to reply to it.

Jesus being invited to dinner at a certain Pharisee's house, he went home with him, and sat down to table.

The Pharisees, and certain Scribes from Jerusalem, came in a body to Jesus; when observing that some of his disciples were eating with profane hands, that is, without having wash'd them, they found fault.

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table.

At the same time, some of the Pharisees came to him, and said, get away, retire from hence, for Herod designs to take away your life.

One sabbath-day, Jesus went to dine with a Pharisee of the first distinction, where he was strictly observ'd.

In the mean time thousands of people being gather'd about him, so as to trample upon one another, he first address'd himself thus to his disciples, beware of the corrupt doctrine of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

for I declare to you, that except your righteousness shall exceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall not enter into the heavenly kingdom.

Now at their departure to go to the other side, his disciples had forgot to take bread. and Jesus said to them, have a care of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees. upon which they said to one another, this comes from our not taking any bread.read more.
which Jesus perceiving, he said, distrustful men, why do ye trouble your heads about forgetting the bread? where's your understanding? don't you remember the five loaves among five thousand and how many baskets ye took away? nor the seven loaves among the four thousand, and how many baskets ye carried away? why, can't you perceive, that in cautioning you to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the Sadducees, I did not speak of bread? then they perceived, he did not caution them against the leaven of bread, but against the Pharisaick and Sadducean doctrine.

Now the disciples had forgot to take bread, and had but one loaf aboard with them. as he was then directing them diligently to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod, they said to one another, this is because we did not take bread: which Jesus perceiving,read more.
said, why do you trouble your heads about your having no bread? are you yet so void of sense, and understanding? are your minds so blinded? have you eyes, and yet don't see? have you ears, and yet not hear? have you lost your memory too? when I divided the five loaves among five thousand people, how many baskets full of fragments did you take away? they answer'd, twelve. and when I divided the seven loaves among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you carry away? they answered, seven. don't you yet, said he, comprehend my meaning?

Hear another parable: a certain landlord planted a vineyard, hedged it round, set up a wine-press in it, and built a tower, then lett it out to tenants, and went into a foreign country. and when the fruit-season came on, he sent his servants to the tenants, to receive the fruits of it. but they seiz'd his servants, beat some, killed one, and stoned another.read more.
then he sent a greater number of servants, than at first: who met with the same treatment. but last of all, he sent his son, saying, they will reverence my son. but when the tenants saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and then seize on his inheritance. so seizing upon him, they turn'd him out of the vineyard, and slew him. when the master therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants? they answered, he will give those wretches no quarter, and will let out his vineyard to such as shall duly account for the profits thereof. Jesus reply'd, did ye never read in the scriptures, " that very stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle, this the Lord effected, and it is marvellous in our eyes." wherefore I declare to you, the gospel dispensation shall be taken from you, and given to a nation that shall make a proper use thereof. and whosoever shall stumble at this stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, he shall be entirely crush'd. When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them.

Then Jesus address'd himself to them in this parabolical manner. a certain person planted a vineyard, made a fence about it, clear'd the way for a wine-press, built a tower, and committed it to the care of vine-dressers, while he was travelling abroad. at the time of vintage he sent his servant to the vine-dressers to receive the profits of his vineyard. but they seized on him, and beat him, and sent him home empty.read more.
after this he sent another servant to them, him they assaulted with stones and cudgels, and sent him back with contempt. then he sent another, whom they killed: and of several more, some they beat, some they killed. at last, having one only son, whom he loved, he sent him to them; surely, said he, they will reverence my son. but these husbandmen said to one another, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be our own. so they seized upon him, and dragg'd him out of the vineyard, and killed him. now what will the master of the vineyard do? on his return, said they, he will destroy those vine-dressers, and give his vineyard to others. have you not read, said he, this passage of scripture, "the stone which the builders rejected, is become the principal stone of the angle. it is the Lord, that has done this, and it is marvellous in our eyes."

Then he propos'd this parable to the people, a man planted a vineyard, let it out to husbandmen, and then went a travelling for some time. at vintage, he sent a servant to the husbandmen, to demand the profits of the vineyard. but they beat him and sent him away empty. again he sent another servant, him they likewise beat, insulted, and sent away empty.read more.
he still sent a third, whom they wounded and drove away. upon which the master of the vineyard said, what shall I do? I will send my beloved son: perhaps his presence will engage their respect. but when the husbandmen saw him, they said to one another, this is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be our own. so they kill'd him, and threw him out of the vineyard. what punishment now will the master inflict upon them? he will come and destroy these husbandmen, and give his vineyard to others. but they, taking the hint, cried out, God forbid. then Jesus looking upon them, said, what is the meaning then of that expression, "the stone, which the builders rejected, is become the chief stone of the angle." whoever falls upon that stone shall be bruised, but on whom it falls, it will crush him to pieces. The chief priests, and the Scribes perceiving that he had applied this parable to them, were eager to seize upon him at that very time; but they were afraid of the people.

Then Jesus addressing himself to the people, and to his disciples, said, the Scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses's chair. therefore whatever moral precepts they bid you observe, those observe and practise; but don't follow their example: for they preach one thing, and practise another.read more.
for they load men with intolerable impositions, and will not take the least pains to ease them of the burthen: they do nothing but out of ostentation, their phylacterys are broader, and the fringes of their garments are larger than those of others: they affect the uppermost place at feasts, the principal chair in the synagogues, to be saluted in publick places, and to have men address to them with the title of Doctor Doctor. But don't you assume that title, for you have but one doctor, who is the Christ; as for you, you are all brethren alike. don't stile any one among you, Father upon earth; for he alone is your father, who is in heaven. neither take the title of masters, for you have but one master, who is the Messias. he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. for whosoever exalts himself, shall be abased; and he that humbles himself, shall be exalted. Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who prey upon the estates of widows, under the pretext of making long prayers; therefore ye shall be punish'd with the greater severity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye not only refuse to go in your selves, but hinder those that would. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who ransack sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is gain'd, ye make him deserve Gehenna much more than your selves. wo unto you, ye blind guides, who say, if any man swear by the temple he is under no obligation: but if he swear by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the treasure of the temple, or the temple that makes the treasure sacred? again, if any one swear by the altar he is under no engagement but if he swear by the gift that is upon it, he is bound thereby. ye blind fools, which is most sacred, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? whoever swears by the altar, swears not only by the altar, but by every thing upon it. and whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. and he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sitteth thereon. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, who pay tithe of mint, anise, and cummin, but neglect those more important matters of the law, justice, mercy, and fidelity: these were the things ye ought to have practis'd, without neglecting however the other matters. ye blind guides, who strain your liquor for a gnat, and swallow a beetle. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye clean the outside of the cup, and of the plate, but within they are full of rapine and impurity. thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first the inside of the cup and plate, that the outside may be likewise clean. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; for ye are like whited sepulchres, which to outward appearance are fine. but within are full of dead mens bones, and all sort of filth. just so ye put on an air of probity in the sight of men, but within are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites; because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the just, and say, if we had liv'd in the time of our forefathers, we would not have been accessory with them in shedding the blood of the prophets. whereby you yourselves own that ye are indeed the children of those who killed the prophets, children that can't fail to fill up the measure of your fathers iniquities. ye serpents, ye brood of vipers, how can ye escape the punishment of Gehenna? wherefore I shall send you prophets, and wise men, and Scribes; you will kill some, and crucify others, many will ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city. so that you maybe charg'd with all the innocent blood shed upon earth, from the blood of Abel the just, unto the blood of Zacharias, the son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. I declare unto you, all these things shall befall this generation.

in the sequel of the discourse, he said to them, beware of the Scribes, who affect to walk about in their long robes, to be saluted in publick places, and to have the first seats in their synagogues, and at their feasts: who yet devour widows estates under the shew of making long prayers, such shall receive greater condemnation.

then in the audience of all the people, he said to his disciples, beware of the Scribes, who are fond of appearing in their long robes, affect to be saluted in publick, to have the upper hand in the synagogues, and at all entertainments. who under the pretext of their long prayers devour the fortunes of widows. wherefore they shall be punish'd with greater severity.

While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine his house, where he went, and sat down at table. but the Pharisee was surprized to see that he did not wash before dinner. upon which the Lord said to him, you Pharisees won't leave any filth upon the outside of a cup or a platter: while your consciences are abandon'd to rapine, and sensuality.read more.
do you stupidly imagine that he, who made the outward man, did not make the inward too? be but charitable to the utmost of your ability, and every thing will be pure to you. but wo unto you Pharisees: for you will pay the tythes of mint, and rue, and all sorts of herbs, but as for justice and true piety, those you neglect. these you ought to have practised, without omitting however the other. wo unto you Pharisees, for you affect to have the first rank in the synagogue, and to be complimented in publick places. wo unto you: for you resemble subterraneous monuments, which men walk over, without perceiving them. Then a doctor of the law objected to him, saying, master, your discourse is an insult upon us also. but Jesus said, wo unto you likewise, doctors of the law; for you load men with insupportable burthens, the least part of which you will not yourselves bear: wo unto you, for you rebuild the sepulchres of those prophets, whom your fathers put to death: they were guilty of slaughter, and you raise monuments to their memory. agreeably to this, in the Wisdom of God 'tis said, "I will send them prophets and apostles: some they will kill, and others they will persecute: " so that the blood of all the prophets, which has been shed since the creation of the world, may be required of this generation, from the blood of Abel to that of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple: yes, I assure you, this generation shall be responsible for it all. wo unto you, doctors of the law; for after having taken the key of knowledge, you remain still in the dark, and hinder others, who desire to have light.

Jesus said likewise to his disciples, a certain rich man had an information against his steward, for making havock of his estate. upon making him appear, he said to him, what information is this, I hear against thee? give an account of your administration, for you must not be my steward any longer. upon which the steward said in himself, what shall I do, now my master strips me of my employment? dig I cannot: and 'tis shameful to beg: I see it now,read more.
I must do something that will secure me a reception in other families, when I have lost my place in this. so he sent for every one of his master's debtors in private, he ask'd the first, how much do you owe my master? a hundred measures of oil, said he. take your bill, said the steward, sit down there, and write out one immediately for fifty. then he said to another, how much do you owe? a hundred measures of wheat, said he. take your bill, says the steward, and write out one for fourscore. and this unfaithful steward was commended by his master for being so provident. for they who look to this world, manage their affairs with more prudence, than those who have a prospect of a better. I advise you in like manner to lay out your fallacious treasure in acts of charity, that when you die, they may secure to you everlasting habitations. He that is faithful in a small trust, will be faithful in a greater: and he that is unfaithful in a little, will be unfaithful in much. if therefore your fidelity has not appear'd in the use of these transitory enjoyments, how can you be trusted with what is more lasting? if you have imbezel'd what another gave you in trust, how can he give you an estate in perpetuity? a servant cannot serve two masters: for either he will neglect the one, and attend the other; or he will be attached to the first, and misbehave to the last. you cannot serve God and mammon. The Pharisees too, who were noted for avarice, heard all this discourse, and treated him with derision. but he said to them, you pretend to piety before men, which, however they may admire, is an abomination to God, who knows your real temper.

Then he propos'd this parable, concerning those who had a great opinion of their own justice, and look'd with contempt upon others. two men went to the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, the other a Publican. the Pharisee in a standing posture pray'd thus by himself, O God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men, a robber, a cheat, an adulterer, or like that Publican.read more.
I fast twice a week, and I pay the tythe of all I possess. but the Publican, who stood a good way lower, not daring to lift up even his eyes to heaven, only smote his breast, and said, O God, be merciful to me, who am a sinner. I tell you this man went home approv'd as just, and not the other. for whoever exalteth himself shall be humbled, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

As he was pursuing his discourse, the Scribes and Pharisees passionately urg'd him with many captious questions, in order to ensnare him, and draw something from his own mouth, that might be brought as evidence against him.

where they brought a man on a bed, lying sick of the palsy: and Jesus perceiving their faith, said to the paralytic, take courage, my son, thy sins are forgiven. whereupon certain of the scribes said within themselves, this man blasphemes. and Jesus perceiving their reflections, said, why do you entertain so bad an opinion?read more.
for is it not as easy to say, thy sins are forgiven? as to say, arise, and walk? only it was fit you should know that the son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins: arise, then, said he, to the paralytic, take up thy bed, and march home. and he arose, and returned to his family.

then they came and presented to him a paralytic, who had four men to carry him. who finding it impossible to come nigh Him because of the press, uncovered the roof where He was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the cradle wherein the paralytic lay. Jesus perceiving their faith, said to the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins are forgiven.read more.
but there were certain of the Scribes sitting there, who were dissatisfied in their own minds, and said to themselves, why doth this man speak such blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God? and immediately Jesus perceiving by his spirit, that they made these secret reflections, said, why do you entertain such suggestions? is it not as easy to say to the paralytic, thy sins are forgiven: as to say, arise, and take up your bed and walk? however, to let you see that the son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, rise, said he, to the sick of the palsy, 'tis I command you, take up thy bed, and go to your home. instantly he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, we never saw any thing like this.

At another time, as he was teaching, it happened that some Pharisees, and doctors of the law were sitting by, who came from the several towns of Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem: when the power of the Lord appear'd in their relief. for instance, they brought a man in his bed lying sick of the palsy: and try'd to. bring him directly into his presence. but when they found it impracticable to bring him in through the crowd, they went up the gallery to the leads, and let him down through the ceiling in his bed among the company, where Jesus was,read more.
who perceiving their faith, said to him, O! man, your sins are forgiven you. upon which the Scribes and Pharisees objected among themselves, saying, what a man is this to blaspheme thus? who can forgive sins but God alone? but Jesus perceiving their reflexions, said to them, what do you mean by such insinuations? which is easier, to say, your sins are forgiven you, or to say, rise up, and walk? but that ye may know, that the son of man hath power to forgive sins, rise, said he, to the paralytick, 'tis I command you, take up your bed, and go home. immediately he started up before them all, took up the bed, where he lay, and went home, glorifying God. at this they were all seized with astonishment, and gave thanks to God, crying out with great reverence, what a wonderful instance of power have we seen this day!

and while Jesus was at table in Matthew's house, several publicans and loose people happen'd to come in, who sat down with him and his disciples. which the Pharisees observing, why, said they to his disciples, is your master so familiar with publicans and such loose people? Jesus hearing that, said to them, they that are in health don't want a physician, but they that are sick.read more.
go then and learn the meaning of that expression, "I will have mercy and not sacrifice:" for I am not come to call saints, but sinners.

at length as Jesus sat at table in Levi's house, several publicans and loose people sat down likewise in company with Jesus, and his disciples: for a good number of them had followed him. when the Scribes and Pharisees saw him eating with such a crew, they ask'd his disciples, what's the meaning that he is so familiar with people of such a wretched character? Jesus hearing this, said to them, they that are in health, have no need of a physician, but they that are sick: I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.

Levi having prepared a handsom entertainment in his own house for him, a great number of publicans, and others, were likewise at table. but the Scribes and Pharisees of that place reproach'd his disciples, and said, why do ye eat and drink with publicans and scandalous people? but Jesus replied, they that are in health don't want a physician: but they that are sick.read more.
I came not to call saints, but sinners to repentance. Then they ask'd him, how comes it that John's disciples,

At their going out, a demoniac was brought in, who was dumb. and when the devil was cast out, the dumb man came to his speech; at which the people were amazed, saying, nothing like this was ever seen in Israel. but the Pharisees said, he casteth out devils by the authority of the prince of the devils.

Then they brought to him a demoniac, who was both blind and dumb: and he cured him so effectually, that he recovered both his speech and his sight; which made the people cry out with amazement, "Is not this the son of David?" but the Pharisees upon hearing this said, he exorcizes devils, by virtue only of Beelzebub the prince of the devils.

Some Scribes, who were come from Jerusalem, said, he is confederate with Beelzebub, the prince of the demons enables him to dispossess demons.

At that time as Jesus pass'd through the corn on the sabbath day, his disciples being hungry, pluck'd the ears of corn, and fell to eating. the Pharisees seeing that, said to him, see, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath-day.

Another time, as he was going through the corn-fields on the sabbath-day, his disciples as they pass'd along began to pluck the ears of corn. upon which the Pharisees said to him, pray observe how they trespass on the sabbath-day.

On the second-prime sabbath, as Jesus was passing through the corn-fields, his disciples happen'd to pluck the ears, and rubbing out the corn with their hands began to eat. upon which some of the Pharisees said to them, why do you do what is not allowed to be done on the sabbath-day?

now the Scribes and Pharisees were upon the watch to see if he would work a cure upon the sabbath-day, and so have matter of accusation against him.

This very man that had been blind, was at length brought to the Pharisees. now it was the sabbath-day when Jesus made the clay, and gave him his sight. the Pharisees therefore ask'd him likewise, how he had received his sight. he told them, he put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and now see.read more.
thereupon some of the Pharisees said, this man has no divine mission, because he does not observe the sabbath. but said others, if he be an impostor, how can he do such miracles? and there was a schism among them.

Jesus being invited to dinner at a certain Pharisee's house, he went home with him, and sat down to table. when a woman of that city, one that had led a loose life, knowing that Jesus was at table in the Pharisee's house, came in with a vial of odoriferous liquor, and stood behind at his feet weeping, bath'd them with her tears, wiped them with her hair, kissed his feet, and poured the perfume upon them.read more.
which the Pharisee, who had invited him, observing, he thus argued with himself, if this man were a prophet, he could not but know that the woman, who is so busy with him, is a person of a loose character.

Then many of the Publicans, and people of a bad reputation gather'd about Jesus to hear him; at which the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man gives access to men of bad character, and eats with them.

Just as he advanc'd to the declivity of the mountain of Olives, the whole troop of disciples began to express their joy in loud acclamations, praising God, for the many miracles they had seen. "blessed be he, said they, whom the Lord hath sent to be our king. prosperity from heaven, and glory from the most high." upon this some of the Pharisees, who were in the crowd, said to him, master, rebuke your disciples.read more.
but he answer'd them, if they should be silent, the stones would exclaim.

the Pharisees therefore said to him, you give a testimony of your self, your testimony is not valid.

and Jesus said, to execute justice am I come into this world: that they who see not, may see; and that they who do see, may become blind. some of the Pharisees who were then present hearing this, said to him, are we likewise blind? Jesus said to them, if you were blind, you would be excusable; but since you own that you see, you stand convicted.

upon this the Pharisees withdrew, and immediately enter'd into a conspiracy with the Herodians to take away his life.

Upon this the Pharisees went out of the synagogue, and form'd a conspiracy against his life.

whereupon they fell into a rage, and consulted together, what measures to take against Jesus.

When the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he meant them. and they endeavoured to seize him, but were afraid of the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

then they contriv'd how they might seize him, for they perceived, that he applied the parable to them; but for fear of the people they left him, and went away.

The chief priests, and the Scribes perceiving that he had applied this parable to them, were eager to seize upon him at that very time; but they were afraid of the people.

Then they sent some of the Pharisees, and of the Herodians to insnare him in his discourse.

they watch'd then, and suborn'd spies, who under pretence of their tender consciences, might ensnare him in his discourse, and so betray him to the civil power and jurisdiction of the governor.