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Jesus was arguably a Pharisee as opposed to a Sadducee.

Dear Friend,

Actually, Christ would have largely sided with the theology of the Pharisees - as did Paul who truly was one of them.

And Christ actually had disciples and sympathizers among the Pharisees. But he did not belong to them and actually upset them by His critique of their practices.

Ultimately, the Pharisees and the Saduccees were united in sharing similar political goals, goals that they expected the Messiah to join them in fulfilling as well.

Alex

Yes Alex, I agree with what you say.

It was in the understanding of life after death and the resurrection that Jesus might be thought of as Pharisaic, not that he was formally a "card carrying" member in the same sense as Saul/Paul.

There is some evidence of first century mysticism in Judaism (well before the Kaballah) that I believe could not have been understood among the Saduccees, yet may have figured in early Christianity.

Blessings
Michael

Dear Michael,

Yes, and I think it is suggested in a number of places in the Gospels that some scribes and Pharisees weren't so much trying to trip up our Lord in their debates with Him, as they were seeming to try and win His approval.

And He did give that approval to some, as with the fellow to whom Jesus said, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God."

When the other Jewish leaders saw this praise and agreement, they dared not speak with Christ etc.

I think the Christian world today sees a great big "break" between the Pharisees and Christ when there really wasn't.

Alex