We are considering the information given us about the 'Pharisees' in the New Testament.

We saw that the name is likely derived from a Hebrew word meaning 'breach' or 'division'. It suits them well since they ever sought to be separated from others whom they considered morally inferior to themselves. They were highly critical that the Lord Jesus entered the company with sinners on occasions `and ate with them!

Now consider how they distinguished themselves from others.

Their appearance.

They laid great emphasis on their outward appearance. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity," Matthew 23:27-28.

They delighted to be seen of men and be admired by them. "But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi," Matt 23:5-7.

They sought to draw attention themselves and have men admire them. They were pride incarnate!! They loved to be thought highly of and desired men to acknowledge and honour them. 'Rabbi' means 'Master'!