The Pharisees used a common argument: 'Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed in him? But this crowd that does not know the law is accursed.' What does this reveal about their spiritual condition?
The Rejection of True Authority
The Pharisees' argument rests on their own status and the perceived ignorance of the crowds. They believed that if someone of their 'standing' – a ruler or a Pharisee – didn't believe, then Jesus couldn't be legitimate. They saw faith as a matter of social hierarchy and intellectual assent, not divine revelation.
The 'Curse' of Not Knowing the Law (According to Them)
Their disdain for the 'multitude' who 'do not know the law' is key. While knowledge of the Law is important, the Pharisees used it as a barrier. They believed that only , with their supposed superior understanding, could discern truth. They saw the common people's faith as illegitimate because it wasn't sanctioned by their elite interpretation. This reveals a deep-seated arrogance, where their own authority became paramount, eclipsing even the clear signs of God at work.
