What does Jesus say about tithing in the New Testament? This question has intrigued Christians for centuries, as they seek to understand the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding the act of giving back to God a portion of their income. Tithing, which involves donating ten percent of one’s income to the church or charitable organizations, is a practice rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. However, the New Testament provides unique insights into Jesus’ perspective on this matter, which we will explore in this article.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ teachings on tithing are primarily found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in chapters 23 and 23:23. Jesus emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material wealth. He warns against the dangers of legalism and Pharisaical practices that focused solely on the outward observance of religious laws, rather than the inward, spiritual intentions behind them.
One of the most famous instances of Jesus discussing tithing is found in Matthew 23:23, where He says, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.”
In this passage, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees, who were known for meticulously following the law, including the requirement to tithe. However, Jesus criticizes them for their narrow focus on tithing while neglecting more significant aspects of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faith. This highlights the importance of balancing the act of giving with a heart of gratitude and service to others.
Another instance of Jesus discussing tithing can be found in Luke 11:42, where He teaches about the Pharisees’ focus on tithing while neglecting more critical matters. Jesus says, “But woe to you, Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” Here, Jesus again emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over materialistic practices.
While Jesus does not explicitly command or discourage tithing in the New Testament, His teachings suggest that the act of giving should be done with a spirit of generosity and love, rather than out of legal obligation. Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner righteousness and the weightier matters of the law, which include justice, mercy, and faith.
Furthermore, the New Testament provides examples of Jesus’ own practice of giving. For instance, in John 13:29, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, symbolizing humility and service. This act of humility and service demonstrates Jesus’ commitment to giving, not just in terms of money, but also in terms of time, energy, and love.
In conclusion, while Jesus does not explicitly command or discourage tithing in the New Testament, His teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual values, generosity, and service over materialistic practices. The act of tithing, if done with a heart of gratitude and love, can be a meaningful expression of one’s faith. However, it is crucial to understand that Jesus’ focus is on the inner righteousness and the weightier matters of the law, which include justice, mercy, and faith. As Christians, we are called to balance our giving with a heart that seeks to honor God and serve others.
