- 1. The conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees and Sadducees is a significant theme in the New Testament that highlights the tension between Jesus' teachings and the established religious authorities of His time. The Pharisees were a group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their oral traditions, while the Sadducees were more aristocratic, holding power in the temple and rejecting certain beliefs such as the resurrection of the dead. Jesus often challenged the Pharisees on their legalism, accusing them of prioritizing rituals over genuine faith and mercy. He criticized them for burdening people with heavy loads of rules while neglecting the deeper spiritual truths of love, justice, and compassion. The Sadducees, on the other hand, confronted Jesus over issues such as the resurrection and the authority He claimed. His teachings often undermined their belief system, and they sought ways to discredit Him, fearing His growing influence among the people. The conflicts culminated in a series of confrontations, including debates about the Sabbath, the greatest commandment, and the resurrection itself, where Jesus masterfully used Scripture to confound His opponents. These encounters not only illustrate the theological disputes of the time but also set the stage for the eventual plot against Jesus, as both groups found common ground in their desire to eliminate the threat He posed to their power and tradition. Through these conflicts, the Gospel narratives reveal Jesus’ mission to fulfill the Law in a way that points to a deeper relationship with God, transcending mere ritualistic practices and inviting all into a transformative experience of faith.
What was the primary belief of the Pharisees?
A) Complete rejection of the Temple.
B) Strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions.
C) Total disregard for religious rituals.
D) Universalist approach to all religions.
- 2. What did Jesus accuse the Pharisees of?
A) Hypocrisy.
B) Idolatry.
C) Blasphemy.
D) Laziness.
- 3. Why were the Pharisees upset with Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath?
A) They saw it as a violation of the Sabbath law.
B) They wanted to protect the sick.
C) They believed He used unclean methods.
D) They didn’t care about the Sabbath.
- 4. What parable did Jesus tell to critique the Pharisees’ self-righteousness?
A) The Parable of the Lost Sheep.
B) The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
C) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
D) The Parable of the Sower.
- 5. What did the Pharisees and Sadducees have in common?
A) Both followed the same interpretation of the Law.
B) Both supported Roman rule.
C) Both were influential Jewish sects.
D) Both believed in the resurrection.
- 6. Who was the Jewish ruler that came to Jesus at night?
A) Joseph of Arimathea.
B) Caiaphas.
C) Herod.
D) Nicodemus.
- 7. What did Jesus tell the rich young ruler?
A) Join the Pharisees.
B) Pray every day.
C) Sell all you have and follow me.
D) Keep the law as it is.
- 8. What did Jesus say about the greatest commandment?
A) Follow all traditions.
B) Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
C) Honor the Sabbath strictly.
D) Make sacrifices faithfully.
- 9. What did Jesus mean by calling the Pharisees 'whitewashed tombs'?
A) They were in touch with God.
B) They had pure motives.
C) They were good leaders.
D) They appeared righteous outwardly but were corrupt inwardly.
- 10. What was Jesus' view on the traditions of the elders?
A) They were valuable and necessary.
B) They should be followed strictly.
C) They were ancient wisdom.
D) They often contradicted God's commandments.
- 11. How did the Pharisees react to Jesus' claim of being the Son of God?
A) They praised Him.
B) They invited Him to lead them.
C) They were indifferent.
D) They considered it blasphemy.
- 12. What quality did Jesus use to define true discipleship?
A) Love for one another.
B) Attendance at the Temple.
C) Strict observance of the law.
D) Knowledge of the Scriptures.
- 13. What concept did Jesus fundamentally differ with the Sadducees on?
A) The resurrection of the dead.
B) The power of prayer.
C) The significance of the Law.
D) The importance of Temple sacrifices.
- 14. What commandment did Jesus emphasize while debating with the Pharisees?
A) To love your neighbor.
B) To observe food laws.
C) To honor the Sabbath.
D) To make sacrifices.
- 15. Which group was known for strict adherence to the Law?
A) Zealots
B) Pharisees
C) Essenes
D) Sadducees
- 16. Which Gospel contains the most conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders?
A) Mark
B) Luke
C) John
D) Matthew
- 17. What did Jesus accuse the Pharisees of being?
A) Foolish builders.
B) Wolves in sheep's clothing.
C) Whitewashed tombs.
D) Blind leaders.
- 18. Which Jewish holiday led to increased scrutiny of Jesus by religious leaders?
A) Sukkot.
B) Passover.
C) Hanukkah.
D) Yom Kippur.
- 19. What challenge did Jesus pose regarding paying taxes?
A) Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's.
B) Support your local king.
C) Do not pay taxes.
D) Taxation is unjust.
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