I Appeal To Caesar!

becomes unbelievable. This, of course, does not escape the attention of the Sanhedrin and High Priests.

Whenever the Jewish leaders gather, “Jesus” is the number one item of discussion. The report is like a broken record to which a person feels compelled to listen. The Pharisees decide they must maintain a constant surveillance of Jesus’ activity: they will send out teams on a regular basis to monitor Jesus’ meetings and challenge His actions and words —regardless of wherever He might be and whatever he might say. The teams are to record responses, words, and actions, bringing back any information they can glean. The most desirable information will be negative statements uttered by Jesus against the religious establishment, Temple or Scripture, and especially any misuse of Scripture. A file of these reports will be kept for future reference. Saul, in contrast, makes a personal decision that he will not be involved in such investigations and discussions; also, he will not visit Jesus’ meetings anymore. This troubles Nicodemus, but he is wise enough to know that Saul must make up his own mind about all of this.

The Hostility of the Pharisees toward Jesus

Even casual readers of Jesus’ life story observe that He made open reference to Pharisees. Without hesitation, He confronted them in argument, always with winning statements or illustrations. Jesus did, however, on occasion dine with, visit and associate with Pharisees in pleasant situations, just as He did with the publicans and sinners!