Sermons on Leaven Of The Pharisees:

Critically Important Contrasts Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 17, 2023

In this section of the Gospel of Mark, Mark presents some critically important contrasts between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees as Jesus clarifies the difference between truth and tradition, and between inward and outward righteousness.

Introduction: A. Many years ago, the Washington Post carried a story about a man who was working on his farm in Wisconsin, when suddenly something dropped out of the sky into a field near him. 1. The object was blue, frozen, and mysterious. 2. Excitedly, the man chopped off a huge chunk, put it in ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:1-23

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"The Cosmic War And The Ministry Of Jesus”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jun 3, 2021

This sermon has a quote from Leonard Sweet, and an illustration from WWII. The Pharisees challenges the power of Jesus to heal. To reject the work of the Holy Spirit, through Jesus is to reject Jesus and is unforgivable.

In Jesus Holy Name June 6, 2021 Redeemer Text: Mark 3:28-29 “The Cosmic War and the Ministry of Jesus” Today’s Gospel reading brings us to a challenge very early in the ministry of Jesus. Jesus has been baptized by John in the Jordan River and returns to his home town ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:20-35, Luke 11:17-22, Matthew 12:25-29

Denomination: Lutheran

Exceeding Expectations Series

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 16, 2023

Jesus said that our righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees. This means that He wants us to exceed the spiritual expectations prescribed by the Law; as we are to strive for excellence in our walk with God.

I have entitled our message, “Exceeding Expectations,” and I want to begin by sharing a true story. A contractor in Mexico was hired to build a Catholic Church, but he used cheap materials in order to make more money. He reasoned that the quality of the materials did not matter, so long as the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Best Is Yet To Come

Contributed by Pat Cook on Aug 31, 2004

Easter morning message showing that the Pharisees believed Jesus’ words perhaps more than His disciples did. God has more in store for us than we can possibly imagine.

John 20:9 – The Best is Yet to Come The Call to Worship had just been pronounced starting Easter Sunday Morning service in an East Texas church. The choir started its processional, singing "Up from the Grave He Arose" as they marched in perfect step down the center aisle to the front of the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Hard Or Simple?

Contributed by William Mouser on Oct 25, 2005

In one of the final debates with the Pharisees, Jesus exposes their penchant for complicating the simple meaning of God’s Word, while ignoring those parts of God’s word which truly are full of mystery.

Hard or Simple? Matt. 22:15-22 A university research wished to study the differences in perception that are related to ones vocation. So, they devised a simple test in order to detect how a person’s professional vocation influenced their answer to a simple question. The first to be tested ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:15-22

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Kingdom Within

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 17, 2006

We are a people who have been guilty of looking for the anointing on the outside, but outward appearances can deceive. The Pharisees were great preachers, and keepers of the law, but they looked at Jesus and called Him “Beelzebub.”

The Kingdom Within! Text: Romans 14: 17-18 (What I’m speaking about this morning, the devil doesn’t want you to ever grasp because he understands that if you do, he will loss his grip on your life.) 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:17-18

Denomination: Pentecostal

Don't Get Sidetracked

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Aug 30, 2008

LIFE WILL THROW MANY CHALLENGES OUR WAY, BUT THE TASK AT HAND IS TO NOT GET SIDETRACKED. JESUS WAS CONFRONTED BY A GROUP OF PHARISEES TRYING TO DERAIL HIM OF HIS PURPOSE, BUT HE EXEMPLIFIES HOW TO PRESS FORWARD.

DON’T GET SIDETRACKED MATTHEW 12:1-13 FEW WEEKS – LESSONS OF PERSEVERANCE OLYMPICS – MICHAEL PHELPHS SHAWN JOHNSON REBECCA SONI (HEART SURGERY) DNC – SENATOR BARACK OBAMA . . . RNC – SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN/GOV. SARAH PALIN (PAY-LIN) . . . LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A SEASONED JOHN MCCAIN LONG ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-13, Matthew 12:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Debate About Divorce (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 28, 2018

Jesus was asked of the Pharisees regarding divorce, not necessarily desiring to learn from Him. Unfortunately most approach the issue this way today. Their minds are already made up. We need a biblical perspective.

The Debate about Divorce (Part 2) Mark 10: 1-12 Today I hope to conclude the passage we began to consider in our last study. I am well aware that this is a very sensitive and somewhat contentious issue. Likely everyone here has been affected by divorce in some way or another. I too know the hurt ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Here's Your Sign Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Apr 9, 2012

Jesus is confronted by a group of unbelieving Pharisees and Scribes. They came at a moment when the crowds were showing overwhelming praise toward Jesus. They came demanding what many in our day are likewise demanding.

We are going to look this morning at a passage where Jesus is confronted by a group of unbelieving Pharisees and Scribes. They came at a moment when the crowds were showing overwhelming praise toward Jesus. They came demanding what many in our day are likewise demanding. Then some of the scribes ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:37-42

Jesus Says What?! (Murder) Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 12, 2011

Like the Pharisees we are often content to live out the letter of the Law but God is looking for the hearth that seeks to live out the spirit of His word. Living by grace is a higher calling then living by the Law!

Jesus Says What?! (Murder) - Matthew 5:21-26 - October 23, 2011 Series: Kingdom Life – A World Turned Upside Down #12 I had a great-uncle who served in the Royal Air Force during WWII. He had gone over to England to join up a couple of years before the war started. By the time war ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26

Denomination: *other

His Mother And Brothers Seek An Audience Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 4, 2017

Jesus addressed the crowd, on this day, regarding subjects which drew the resentment of the Scribes and Pharisees. And while He was speaking, His mother, Mary, and His brothers arrived at the house where He was at.

Harmony of the Gospels -AD 28- Capernaum Lesson: His Mother and Brothers Seek an Audience Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21 -Matthew- Matt 12:46-50 (KJV) 46 While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. 47 Then one ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:46-50, Mark 3:31-35, Luke 8:19-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Conversion Of Saul Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 15, 2022

By this time, Saul had become the movements ringleader to wipe out Christianity. A devout Hellenistic Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was a Pharisees and was taught by none other than Gamaliel.

The Conversion of Saul INTRODUCTION Let us imagine for a moment that this is the week of Saul's arrival at Damascus. By this time, Saul had become the movement's ringleader to wipe out Christianity. A devout Hellenistic Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Lord Of The Sabbath Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Mar 24, 2025

The rhythms that God laid out for his people included a day of rest called the Sabbath. In Luke 6:1-11, Jesus has two confrontations with the Pharisees about what is allowed on the Sabbath.

Religious groups and churches have patterns or rhythms weekly worship monthly communion Liturgies Annual festivals or meals Muslims have the month of Ramadan where they fast during the day, give alms, and feast at night Hindus have Diwali and specific celebrations tied to their deities Jews have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Sign Of Jonah (Matthew 12:38-42)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Apr 6, 2025

The Pharisees kept clamoring for a sign that Jesus was the Promised Messiah. Jesus in turn saw this request as a waste of time and effort. Nothing He would do or say would ever make them believe.

Beginning in Matthew 12:38-42, we read that the Pharisees won’t leave Jesus alone. Now they wanted to see a “sign from heaven” that would provide visual evidence of His Divinity. Consider what has happened so far in the ministry of the Lord Jesus. These same religious leaders had seen the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:1, Matthew 24:3, John 4:48, 1 Corinthians 1:22

Denomination: Baptist

God Our Protector; Not Our Bully Premium Sermon

Contributed by PRO Premium on Oct 9, 2023

This sermon explores the concept of God as our protector who meets us in our current state, leads us on a journey of transformation and healing, and never shames us, contrasting this with the shaming behavior of the Pharisees.

Hello Church! I want to ask you a question today. Have you ever had an earworm? I’m willing to bet almost all of us have had an earworm at one time or another, and most likely many of us get multiple earworms every year. I know I do! Do you know what an earworm is? If you ever get an earworm, the ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Topics: God's Protection, Spiritual Healing, Conviction Vs Shame