Biblical Answer

What did Jesus say about tithing?

Jesus and Tithing: A Biblical Perspective

In the New Testament, Jesus did not abolish the principle of tithing, but rather reemphasized its importance in the context of the Old Testament law. As recorded in Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their excessive tithing of garden herbs, while neglecting the weightier matters of the law, such as justice and mercy. This passage highlights the Pharisaic practice of tithing, which was not only commanded in the Law but also taken to an extreme by the Pharisees.

The Importance of Tithing in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, tithing was a commanded principle, as seen in Leviticus 27:30 and Deuteronomy 14:22. The people of Israel were required to bring to the Lord 10 percent of their annual earnings, their crops, and their livestock. This practice was not just a matter of giving, but also a way of acknowledging God's sovereignty and provision in their lives. Jesus accepted the principle of tithing as a proper practice, but reemphasized the need for a balanced approach, where justice, mercy, and faithfulness take precedence over meticulousness in tithing.

Jesus' View on Tithing: A Call to Authenticity

Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23 serve as a call to authenticity in our tithing practices. He condemned the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, where they gave their mint and cumin, but neglected the weightier matters of the law. Similarly, Jesus warns us that if we pretend to be tithers when we are not, we expose ourselves to His great displeasure. This passage emphasizes the importance of living a life of integrity, where our giving is not just a matter of following a rule, but a genuine expression of love and gratitude to God. Ultimately, Jesus' view on tithing is not just about the amount we give, but about the condition of our hearts and the authenticity of our giving.