The Pharisees - John 1:24

John the apostle wrote how, “this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Are you Elias? And he said, I am not. Are you that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who are you? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you of yourself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias”, and in chapter one and verse twenty-four of his book, John shared, “they which were sent were of the Pharisees” where we read:

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

The verse reads, “And they which were sent ...” John began with the words, “and they” which refers to “the religious leaders who were priests and Levites” “which were sent” which means “that were dispatched and appointed” belonged to the following group. John shared how the “religious leaders” were dispatched by the following religious group.

The verse continues, “... were of the Pharisees.” John added the words, “were of” which means “belonged to” “the Pharisees” or “the sect that seems to have started after the Jewish exile. In addition to Old Testament books the Pharisees recognized in oral tradition a standard of belief and life”. John shared how the “priests and Levites” belonged to the “sect” known as the “Pharisees”.

When we meditate upon John's words in this verse, we learn to whom these “priests and Levites” were to give a report. These “religious leaders” were dispatched by the “Pharisees” who were always investigating anyone who was outside their group of believers. Even though God sent His “forerunner” to His Son Jesus, the Messiah, it did not mean he would not face opposition. God's plan was to “save” mankind from their sins so they might live with Him forever, and those who put their faith and trust in His Son Jesus will be “forgiven” and granted “eternal life” with God in Heaven. Regardless of the “religious sects” that might come against us, God is willing to “save” all who yield to Him.

Next time John shares how the Pharisees ask John the Baptist, “why do you baptize then, if you are not that Christ?”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".