"Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his
disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees
sit in Moses' seat:
All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe,
that observe and do; but do not ye after their
works: for they say, and do not."
Matthew 23:1-3

Jesus admitted to the Pharisees' legitimate
authority. They sat in Moses' seat, "Therefore,"
He said "Whatsoever they bid you observe,
that observe and do; but do not after their
works; for they say, and do not".