- 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) Total disregard for religious rituals.
B) Universalist approach to all religions.
C) Strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions.
D) Complete rejection of the Temple.
- 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 wanted to protect the sick.
B) They believed He used unclean methods.
C) They didn’t care about the Sabbath.
D) They saw it as a violation of the Sabbath law.
- 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 Sower.
D) The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
- 5. What did the Pharisees and Sadducees have in common?
A) Both believed in the resurrection.
B) Both supported Roman rule.
C) Both were influential Jewish sects.
D) Both followed the same interpretation of the Law.
- 6. Who was the Jewish ruler that came to Jesus at night?
A) Herod.
B) Caiaphas.
C) Joseph of Arimathea.
D) Nicodemus.
- 7. What did Jesus tell the rich young ruler?
A) Sell all you have and follow me.
B) Pray every day.
C) Keep the law as it is.
D) Join the Pharisees.
- 8. What did Jesus say about the greatest commandment?
A) Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
B) Follow all traditions.
C) Make sacrifices faithfully.
D) Honor the Sabbath strictly.
- 9. What did Jesus mean by calling the Pharisees 'whitewashed tombs'?
A) They had pure motives.
B) They appeared righteous outwardly but were corrupt inwardly.
C) They were good leaders.
D) They were in touch with God.
- 10. What was Jesus' view on the traditions of the elders?
A) They often contradicted God's commandments.
B) They were ancient wisdom.
C) They were valuable and necessary.
D) They should be followed strictly.
- 11. How did the Pharisees react to Jesus' claim of being the Son of God?
A) They invited Him to lead them.
B) They were indifferent.
C) They praised Him.
D) They considered it blasphemy.
- 12. What quality did Jesus use to define true discipleship?
A) Strict observance of the law.
B) Attendance at the Temple.
C) Love for one another.
D) Knowledge of the Scriptures.
- 13. What concept did Jesus fundamentally differ with the Sadducees on?
A) The importance of Temple sacrifices.
B) The resurrection of the dead.
C) The significance of the Law.
D) The power of prayer.
- 14. What commandment did Jesus emphasize while debating with the Pharisees?
A) To love your neighbor.
B) To make sacrifices.
C) To honor the Sabbath.
D) To observe food laws.
- 15. Which group was known for strict adherence to the Law?
A) Zealots
B) Sadducees
C) Essenes
D) Pharisees
- 16. Which Gospel contains the most conflicts between Jesus and the religious leaders?
A) Luke
B) Matthew
C) John
D) Mark
- 17. What did Jesus accuse the Pharisees of being?
A) Blind leaders.
B) Whitewashed tombs.
C) Foolish builders.
D) Wolves in sheep's clothing.
- 18. Which Jewish holiday led to increased scrutiny of Jesus by religious leaders?
A) Sukkot.
B) Yom Kippur.
C) Passover.
D) Hanukkah.
- 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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