The Tithe: Jesus Approved

Matthew 23:23-24

 

²³ “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. ²⁴ You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!

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Notice what Jesus says here. He tells these Pharisees that "these", that is, "justice and mercy and faithfulness", should have been done. He calls them "weightier matters" of the law. Jesus gives further command regarding the tithe in saying they should not be "neglecting the others." Or, as the KJV states it, "without leaving the other undone". That is to say, they should be doing all these things, including the tithe. I don't necessarily think He is saying those things are more important, but perhaps weightier in that they are more difficult to accept and do. They are indeed weighty for those who are going to do such things in circumstances that especially require them. It's easy for me to cut 10% off the top, but it's much harder to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly (faith) with my God, when push comes to shove. Either way, they are grouped together by Jesus as all things that should to be done

Do you approve of justice, mercy, and faith?

If we are going to say, "The tithe is just OT stuff, it doesn't apply", then we can also say that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are also to be tossed. Now, I'm certainly not suggesting that we do that of course. Jesus approves and commands the tithe ought to be done. I believe God's Word tells us that all should be done. So, we see that the Pharisees were not making the mistake of tithing, but of neglecting other "weightier" matters. They did well to tithe, but they were straining a gnat to swallow a camel.

What's this straining a gnat to swallow a camel thing about?

Jesus is painting a picture of their hypocrisy. See Leviticus 11:2-4, 41; Leviticus 11:32-35. According to the Levitical law, both camels and insects were unclean. So, what would they do? They would place something over their earthen vessel, such as a cup or bowl, so that nothing unclean would enter and die, thereby needing to destroy it (Lev 11:33). So, they were making sure no tiny gnats fell dead into their cups whilst they were unaware, then sitting down to a big camel-steak dinner. Both unclean, and against Levitical law.

Here they were doing the same thing, but regarding things that Jesus says all ought to be done: justice, mercy, faith, and the tithe.

The tithe is not often addressed in the NT, but when it is... it is not cast off.

In the New Testament It is not frowned upon, spoken against, or mocked. The only time it is spoken of by Jesus, it is confirmed as a good thing, right along with justice, mercy, and faith. How then can we say that the tithe is not for today? There is something unique about the tithe. It is commanded, it pleases God, and He blesses us for doing it.
 

When you consider all the things the Jews would have been impressing upon the early Christians, along with various laws lingering over regarding sacrifices and circumcision--is it not surprising that the tithe is never brought up with a counter argument? Is it no surprise that it is not mentioned with chagrin because of those who would have still been teaching others to do so? The converted Jews certainly would have been tithing (which is a very specific thing), but never is it suggested that the tithe ought not to be done. 2 Cor 9:7, for example, only encourages us to give cheerfully. And, we should do so! This "giving" is better compared to the offering spoken of in Malachi, and not the tithe. Offerings and tithes are not the same thing. The offering was (is) anything above and beyond the tithe. Even so, we should certainly tithe cheerfully as well! I am blessing God in obedience, and He blesses me more than I put out. It's a win-win.

What if we don't tithe? Will we be sinning?

To that I ask this: What if we are not just, merciful, and faithful, will we be sinning? If we say justice, mercy, and faithfulness are good things we should hold onto, then I certainly suggest that these weightier matters ought to be done without leaving the other (tithes) undone.  We know in part, and we see in part... but as God reveals, we should obey. The tithe is one of those things, I certainly believe. It is a truth God revealed to me in His Word, and has confirmed in my heart in doing so. God... help me not to neglect the weighted matters. If He has revealed His Word to us in the tithe, then yes; I believe we will be robbing God, which is sin. Robbing is not my word, but God's Word. Furthermore, we will also be missing out on the blessing that comes specifically in response to God's challenge to us in tithing (back in Malachi).

So in conclusion...

· The tithe predates the law; but not just that it predates the law, it was given to Mechizedek who is of the same priesthood as Jesus (king of peace, king of righteousness).

· The tithe comes with a unique blessing, in response to a unique challenge/command found nowhere else in Scripture--"test me in this", God says.

· The tithe is spoken of with approval by Jesus. These you ought to have done, and not left the other undone.

We must all decide for ourselves. I highly recommend the win-win that God promises in His challenge and command to tithe. But, remember now--don't neglect the weightier matters of the law.