But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Luke 11:42)
In Luke 11:42, Jesus corrected the Pharisees for doing the right thing with the wrong heart. He told them first that they were doing what they should do when they tithed on mint and herbs. So, Jesus was not saying that we shouldn’t tithe. He confirmed that they did the right thing by tithing. However, it was their heart that was the problem.
Jesus used mint and herbs because tithing ten percent of the herbs you grew would look minuscule and tiny. The Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law, ensuring they brought precisely ten percent even from their most minor crop.
Jesus emphasized that while tithing is essential, they were willing to focus on small things, but not on the more significant parts of following God, like justice and love. As believers, we must ensure that both the teachings we profess and the actions we take reflect God's heart. Correct doctrine is vital, but we shouldn’t forget to exemplify the love and justice of the Father that Jesus embodied. We should prioritize our relationship with God and our relationships with others over following rituals of faith.
Practical Application
Allow the Holy Spirit to evaluate your heart's motives. Why are you doing what you are doing? Why are you serving in a particular area? Why are you giving to the Lord this week? Allow Him to purge any part of you that is based on rituals and fear and not on your relationship with Jesus.
Comments