The first thing Jesus told his Disciples, was not to mix the doctrine of the Pharisees, and Sadducees with the gospel that he was teaching them. MATTHEW; 16;6; Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.... They had not understood him when he told them,but he explained to them and they understood. Verse 12; Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread,but of the doctrine of the Pharisees, and the Sadducees. They were government officials under control of the Roman government.. They were rich and held powerful positions such as chief priest and high priest. They were legalist that made their own rules and regulations concerning God and the book of Moses.