# The Pharisees — Unspoken Sermons character guide

> The Pharisees in Unspoken Sermons by George MacDonald.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0004-the-child-in-the-midst

## Who they are

Jewish religious leaders often contrasted with Jesus' teachings.

## In the story

### [Unspoken Sermons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/unspoken-sermons)

Represent the legalistic religious mindset that Jesus critiques.

### [The Higher Faith](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-higher-faith)

Mentioned as those who could believe only for themselves and their own nation, unable to believe for the multitude of the nations.

### [The Cause of Spiritual Stupidity](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-cause-of-spiritual-stupidity)

The Pharisees seek a sign from Jesus in mockery of unbelief; their leaven represents a hidden, corrupting influence that the disciples must avoid.

### [The Last Farthing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-last-farthing)

Implied as those who interpret rather than do, obscuring the gospel.

### [The Truth in Jesus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-truth-in-jesus)

Mentioned as an ongoing type within religious communities who hinder others from entering the kingdom.

### [The Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-truth)

Cited as an example of those who lie against truth, using 'Corban' to evade honoring father and mother.

### [The Final Unmasking](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/chapters/the-final-unmasking)

Implicitly referenced in the discussion of hypocrisy and the warning against the leaven of the Pharisees.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/characters/the_pharisees
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/unspoken_sermons_se/characters