Priests in Jesus' time consisted of privileged nobles, most of whom belonged to the Sadducees. Their duty was to convey the will of the Lord, to teach the people, and to preside over sacrifices. In fact, they had apparently abdicated the first two duties, only formally performing lucrative sacrificial duties. Jesus saw that the whole system of sacrifices, temple and priests had become dead and needed a radical reform. When the right opportunity arose, Jesus would go into the temple, unmasked the corruption of the system and challenged those who defended that obsolete system. Jesus repeatedly quoted the prophet Hosea who said “For it is love that I desire, not sacrifice” ( Hosea 6:6） ) to express his idea on religious rituals. And ”To love God with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself” is worth more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. (Mark 12:32-33） 。

Politically, the priests were happy to flatter the Romans for their own benefit. As for traditions and laws, they only cared about keeping things as they were, such as preserving the rituals of sacrifice and keeping the Sabbath. In fact, they were skeptical about resurrection, angels, devils, etc. They were very concerned about the populace's relationship with the Romans to reduce the chance of social unrest.

Once, when Jesus told the parable of the good Samaritan, he gave an example: a businessman who was robbed, lying half-dead on the ground; a priest and a Levite passed by and ignored him. " But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight." (Luke 10：33﹚

請參看 - 耶里哥     撒瑪黎雅     「影片分享 youtube 網站」- 【怎能不想祂】