Devotionals

Do I Look More Like a Pharisee or Jesus?

by Michael Edwards 
07/10/26
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The question pierces the heart: Do I look more like a Pharisee or Jesus? In our daily choices, do we cling to the rigid letter of rules, or do we walk in the Spirit of love that fulfills God’s true intent? Many on the outside of the church think we look more like Pharisee's, often stating they know more about what we are against than what we are for.

The Pharisees were masters of the letter. They meticulously kept external regulations, yet often abused the law to protect their power and status. They burdened people with traditions while neglecting justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Jesus confronted them sharply in Matthew 23:23 (NASB): “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

Outwardly polished like “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27), they were inwardly full of greed and self-righteousness. Tragically, they weaponized the law against the very Author of life. When Jesus healed the sick on the Sabbath—acts of compassion and love—the Pharisees saw only violation of their rules. In Matthew 12:10 (NASB), they asked Him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse Him. They plotted to destroy Him for “breaking” the Sabbath (Matthew 12:14). In John 5:16 (NASB), “For this reason the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because He was doing these things on the Sabbath.” They chose the letter over love, and it led them to orchestrate the death of the Messiah.

Do I look more like a Pharisee or Jesus?

Jesus lived by the higher standard—the spirit of the law, which is love. He healed on the Sabbath because mercy and restoration reflect the Father’s heart. His actions fulfilled the law’s righteous purpose rather than contradicting it. Love motivated everything He did. He declared, “My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working” (John 5:17, NASB), revealing His divine authority rooted in love.

The Apostle Paul explains this beautifully: Romans 13:8-10 (NASB) — “Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. For this, ‘You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,’ and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”

Love is not a lesser standard; it is greater. The letter can be twisted for control or self-justification. Love, poured out by the Holy Spirit, naturally accomplishes what rules alone never can. It brings life, healing, and freedom. Jesus did not abolish the law—He fulfilled it through perfect love.

Do I look more like a Pharisee or Jesus? This question challenges us daily. When we prioritize rules over people, judge harshly, or use Scripture to condemn rather than restore, we mirror the Pharisees. When we extend mercy, serve the hurting, and prioritize compassion—even when it stretches our traditions—we reflect Jesus.

In the New Covenant, we are called to serve in newness of the Spirit, not oldness of the letter (Romans 7:6). Let us examine our hearts. May the love of Christ so fill us that others see Jesus, not a Pharisee, when they look at our lives.

In defense of the Pharisee's, they felt like they were under the judgment of God's law all of the time and in a way they were. This led them to judge others instead of seeing the clear message Jesus was displaying to them. So, if we see ourselves more like a Pharisee, then we too may think we are still under the law' and coming judgment. It is not until we truly grasp that we are under grace and not the law, fully forgiven and in the love of Christ, that we can act like Jesus did and put His love for others above the letter of the law. Love is the only thing we can do to fulfill God's law Rom 13:8-10, Gal 5:14, Luke 7:47 tells us the secret to loving much as Christ loves us. You have been forgiven much no matter who you are.

More New Covenant studies HERE.