Judaism at the Time of Jesus:

1. Judaism at the Time of Jesus: Groups within Judaism

2. Historians believe that there were 6 groups of Jews that lived in Israel around the time of Jesus. Each group had distinct cultural characteristics as well as varying (often conflicting) political and religious ideologies.

3. The Pharisees • The most influential religious sect during the life of Jesus • Often mentioned in the New Testament • Well-educated religious leaders who focussed on keeping the Jews faithful to the Law • Strict observance of the Sabbath and obeying the purity laws, dietary rules, and ritual cleansings • Also recognized the oral traditions of the elders • Portrayed in the NT as models of obedience to the Law

4. Jesus sometimes criticized them for focussing on superficial matters rather than the spirit of the Law • Ex. they excluded the unclean (physically/emotionally ill or tax collectors) from their tables • Some Pharisees were hostile towards Jesus, but others apparently liked him and were curious about his teachings • Ex. the Apostle Matthew and St. Paul were Pharisees • Jesus shared some of their beliefs  resurrection of the righteous, the existence of angels and spirits, and a final judgement

6. Sadducees • Didn’t believe in anything that wasn’t written in the Torah • Ex. didn’t believe in life after death • Part of the wealthy, conservation, aristocratic ruling class • Actively worked with the Romans which helped maintain their economic power • Powerful in the religious community because they were the chief priests and elders (by heredity) • Rarely mentioned in the New Testament, yet still a significant (though small) group • Responsible for preserving the sanctity of the Temple and managing it • Composed the majority of the 71 member Sanhedrin (the highest court of Israel)

7. Emphasized Temple sacrifice, which is one reason for their decline after the destruction of the Temple in AD 70

8. The Scribes • Interpreted and taught the Law • Most closely affiliated with the Pharisees, but also associated with the Sadducees • Not a religious party; they were scholars who assisted in writing and teaching about their religious traditions • Also responsible for writing and keeping records for the people • May have served at synagogue services by reading and explaining the Scripture

9. The Essenes • Generally avoided contact with foreign cultures and followed the Law of Moses to the last details • (Unlike the Sadducees) believed to have withdrawn completely from the world/political activity to prepare for coming of God • Believed Temple worship was impure and that Jews had become lazy in following the Law • Deserted communities to live pure, monastic lives • Likely followed John the Baptist • Not mentioned in the Bible  believed to be Qumran movement

10. The zealots • A rebellious movement of militant Jews • Desired and fought for the recovery of Jewish independence • Considered the acceptance of foreign government and taxes to Rome as blasphemy against God • Other groups within Judaism greatly disliked this group • Zealots were mostly responsible for outbreak of violence against Rome from 66-70AD, which resulted in the destruction of the Tempe and Jewish community in Jerusalem  only the Pharisees survived • After the fall of Jerusalem the Zealots, Sadducees, and Essenes either disappeared or were significantly reduced

12. The Great Majority (the poor) • Most clearly linked to Jesus’ mission • Luke 4:18-19  Jesus’ mission was to... • Preach the good news to the poor • Help people be free to really live • Perform acts of mercy • Work towards social justice • Celebrate and proclaim the arrival of deliverance