Written by The Big Question
You’ve probably heard of the Pharisees—they’re the bad guys in a lot of Bible stories. Jesus called them hypocrites, accused them of twisting religion, and said they were leading people astray. But here’s the twist: the Pharisees weren’t just random religious leaders. They were deeply influenced by Persia (modern-day Iran) and its ancient religion, Zoroastrianism. In fact, they borrowed a lot from Zoroastrian beliefs—and then turned those ideas into a system of rules and power that Jesus spent his life fighting against.
In this article, we’ll break down:
- How the Pharisees got their ideas from Persia.
- Why the Book of Esther is a cautionary tale about power and compromise.
- How Jesus stood up to the Pharisees to bring religion back to its roots.
1. Who Were the Pharisees, Really?
The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who came to power after the Jews returned from the Babylonian Exile (around 500 BCE). During that exile, the Jews lived under the rule of the Persian Empire, which was deeply influenced by Zoroastrianism—one of the world’s oldest religions.
Zoroastrianism introduced big ideas like:
- A battle between good and evil: Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord) vs. Angra Mainyu (the Evil Spirit).
- Resurrection: The dead coming back to life for a final judgment.
- Heaven and Hell: Rewards for the good and punishment for the wicked.
- Messianic hope: A savior (called a Saoshyant) who would bring justice and peace.
When the Jews returned home, groups like the Pharisees took these ideas and blended them into their own faith. But instead of sticking to the simple, ethical teachings of Zoroastrianism—like Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds—the Pharisees turned religion into a system of endless rules.
2. The Book of Esther: A Persian Drama
Let’s talk about the Book of Esther, a story that takes place in the Persian court. Esther is a Jewish woman who becomes queen, and her cousin Mordecai helps her save the Jewish people from a plot to wipe them out. Sounds heroic, right?
Here’s the darker side:
- After Esther and Mordecai stop the genocide, they launch a violent counterattack, killing thousands of people. It’s a story of survival—but also one of power, revenge, and moral compromise.
- The story reflects the Persian court’s politics: alliances, manipulations, and using religion as a tool to gain power.
This same strategy of using religion for control mirrors how the Pharisees operated. They took the spiritual ideas they absorbed from Persia and used them to consolidate power over the Jewish people.
3. Why Jesus Called Out the Pharisees
Jesus didn’t just dislike the Pharisees because they were strict or mean. He saw them as the ultimate example of how religion could go wrong. Let’s break down his beef with them:
- Hypocrisy: The Pharisees made a big show of being religious, but Jesus said their hearts weren’t in it. “Woe to you, Pharisees! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.” (Luke 11:39)
- Stealing Religion: Jesus accused the Pharisees of taking God’s simple truths and burying them under man-made rules. “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” (Mark 7:8)
- Shutting People Out: The Pharisees used religion to exclude and judge people, the exact opposite of what Jesus and Zoroastrianism taught about universal justice. “You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces.” (Matthew 23:13)
Jesus wasn’t just restoring Judaism—he was returning to the ethical heart of religion: helping people live good lives, not controlling them.
4. The Persian Roots of Pharisaic Beliefs
The Pharisees didn’t invent the ideas they taught. Here’s a quick breakdown of what they borrowed from Zoroastrianism:
| Zoroastrianism | Pharisees |
|---|---|
| Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) | Yahweh (God) |
| Chinvat Bridge (Judgment) | Final Judgment |
| Paradise (Pardes) | Heaven (Gan Eden) |
| Saoshyant (Savior) | The Messiah |
These ideas gave hope to the Jewish people during hard times—but the Pharisees twisted them into a system that prioritized power over spiritual truth.
5. What This Means for Us Today
So, why should this matter to you? Because the story of the Pharisees is a cautionary tale about how good ideas can go wrong when they’re used for control. Here are a few lessons we can take from this:
- Question Authority: Are religious or political leaders truly serving people, or are they serving themselves?
- Stick to the Basics: Like Zoroaster and Jesus taught, living a good life doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about love, justice, and kindness—not endless rules.
- History Repeats Itself: The Pharisees’ story reminds us how easily power can corrupt even the best intentions.
References
- The Bible:
- The Gospels: Jesus’ critiques of the Pharisees (Matthew 23, Mark 7, Luke 11).
- Book of Esther: The story of Esther and Mordecai in the Persian court.
- Zoroastrian Texts:
- The Gathas of Zarathustra: Foundational Zoroastrian hymns emphasizing ethics.
- Bundahishn: Descriptions of Zoroastrian cosmology and judgment.
- Historical Works:
- Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews: Details Pharisaic influence in Jewish society.
- Mary Boyce, Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices: An exploration of Zoroastrianism’s impact.
- Scholarly Articles:
- “Persian Influence on Judaism and Early Christianity,” Harvard Theological Review.
- “The Pharisees: Guardians or Usurpers?” by John R. Hinnells, Cambridge University Press.
Pharisees, Persia, and the Fight for True Faith
The Pharisees weren’t just a problem for Jesus—they represent a timeless struggle over what religion should be. Is it about control, or is it about helping people live better lives? By looking back at their Persian roots and Jesus’ fight against their hypocrisy, we can see the danger of losing sight of what really matters: truth, justice, and compassion.
What do you think? Is it time to rediscover the heart of faith in a world full of Pharisees?
Here are powerful quotes from Jesus criticizing the Pharisees, paired with modern interpretations that resonate with contemporary issues of leadership, integrity, and authenticity:
1. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
(Matthew 23:13)
Modern Interpretation:
This is a callout against gatekeeping and exclusivity. Whether in religion, education, or politics, there are always leaders who use their power to exclude others from opportunities or truth while failing to live up to the standards they preach. It’s a reminder to question whether those in authority are truly serving or simply blocking progress.
2. “You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and self-indulgence.”
(Matthew 23:25)
Modern Interpretation:
This resonates in a world obsessed with appearances—whether it’s curated Instagram profiles, public personas, or corporations presenting a “green” image while harming the environment. Jesus’ words remind us to focus on internal integrity rather than external perfection.
3. “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
(Mark 7:8)
Modern Interpretation:
This critique of prioritizing man-made rules over genuine principles applies to any system bogged down by bureaucracy or outdated traditions. It’s a call to refocus on the core mission—be it justice, compassion, or innovation—rather than clinging to rigid systems that no longer serve people.
4. “They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.”
(Matthew 23:4)
Modern Interpretation:
This is about leaders who impose strict rules, impossible expectations, or heavy burdens on others without helping or offering support. Think of workplaces with unrealistic deadlines, governments with harsh policies, or religious leaders who demand sacrifices while living in luxury.
5. “Woe to you, Pharisees! You love the most important seats in the synagogues and respectful greetings in the marketplaces.”
(Luke 11:43)
Modern Interpretation:
This is a direct critique of ego and the desire for public recognition. It’s a reminder that true leadership and service aren’t about titles, accolades, or social clout but about humility and genuine contribution.
6. “You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”
(Matthew 23:24)
Modern Interpretation:
This highlights the danger of focusing on trivial details while ignoring major issues. It’s a call to stop nitpicking and address the real problems—whether it’s in politics, social justice, or personal relationships.
7. “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.”
(Matthew 23:27)
Modern Interpretation:
This is a striking image of hypocrisy, calling out those who project goodness or success but are corrupt or empty within. It’s especially relevant in the age of performative activism and virtue signaling, where actions must align with values.
8. “You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
(Matthew 23:23)
Modern Interpretation:
This is a critique of misplaced priorities—focusing on small acts of piety or compliance while ignoring the bigger picture. It’s a reminder to prioritize what truly matters: fairness, compassion, and integrity.
9. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’”
(Matthew 23:29-30)
Modern Interpretation:
This is about self-righteousness and denying one’s role in perpetuating injustice. It speaks to those who condemn past wrongs (like racism or oppression) while failing to address or acknowledge their own complicity in similar systems today.
10. “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are.”
(Matthew 23:15)
Modern Interpretation:
This is a sharp critique of toxic leadership—people who recruit others into their system or ideology, not to help them, but to entangle them in the same harmful practices. It’s a warning about spreading bad systems under the guise of good intentions.