“Now when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, they asked him to show them a sign from heaven.” (Matthew 16:1)
The reason Pharisees are called “Pharisees” and Sadducees “Sadducees” is that they were not the same, and they wanted that distinction. For example, do not call a democrat a republican.
And for these two groups to be mentioned in the same sentence as if they were alike is remarkable since they were political and theological enemies!
For the first time, they became united. They now had a common enemy in a controversial figure named Jesus.
I have seen couples become “one” when they realize they share the common animosity for a person or a cause. They are not united because of a common like, but a common dislike, even hatred.
The problem of such a twisted and sinister alliance, however, is dangerous. You see it on the news – married men and women involved in devious plots to hurt the innocent.
We ought to multiply love and not hate. Granted, most of us are not mass murderers, and it is far-fetched that we shall even be compared to them. But Jesus says it all – if we harbor hate in our heart, we already committed murder.
I watched Star Wars Episode III with my son over the weekend. (I didn’t fall asleep this time… this episode by far is the best in my opinion) The Sith Lord Darth Sidious said to Anakin, “You killed Padme with your anger.” Anakin was promised the immortality of his love, Padme, and this promise was what turned him to the dark side. In the end, he still lost her. Devils do lie, and they lie with disclaimers.
Watch out for anger, and don’t confuse it with righteous indignation.