Chapter 12
WHAT DID JESUS TEACH ABOUT GIVING AND TITHING?
Now let us consider what the writer of the New Will and Testament, Jesus himself, had to say about giving and whether or not he put the system of tithing into the New Covenant. We've already seen that eleven Israeli tribes paid tithes to one tribe, for their support, as they served as the ministers of the temple, according to Mosaic Law. We've also seen that in the New Covenant, God's church is not divided into tribes, but rather, all of the church is called to unity, as members of his body, and all are to be ministers. Having seen this, then, we can see that there is no separate group of Christians, who are not ministers of the temple, set aside to tithe to those who are.
We do have pastors, evangelists, etc., who minister as gifts to the church, and we will look into this and also, how they are to be cared for. But first we will look into the Word and see what Jesus taught about giving in general. Clearly, if he reinstituted tithing into the New Covenant, he would have to explain to us how to carry this out, since the entire priesthood functions so differently today.
It was Jesus who was bold enough to speak to the multitudes and declare in Matt 5:27,28, -
“You have heard that it was said by them of old time .... “But I say unto you ...”
He spoke of things in the Mosaic Law, then pointed his listeners inward, to what really goes on in the heart, knowing that while an individual could keep a written law, he could still be unclean on the inside. And who was he to do such a thing, when, after all, it was God who had given Moses the Law? Wasn't that enough? Who was he to say “But I say” ? He was and is, forevermore, Almighty God himself! He, being one with the Father, had been there when the old law had been given. He who gave the Law, certainly understood it's purpose and what it represented more than anyone else. The people needed a Savior who could give help and hope to the mind and heart.
Jesus was the one the Law represented. He was the one fulfilling it, soon to end it, and the one to bring the new and better way. Of all people, he was the one who could speak of the righteousness of the Law. He was about to give his life for our salvation and send his Spirit to live inside of us, bringing change to our inner man. Jesus knew the heart of his Father and had every right to speak for him.
Let us not only look at what was said in old times, nor at what philosophies of men today may be, but rather, to the words of Jesus himself, the author and finisher of our faith.
Luke 12:16-32 (Jesus speaking) “And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:
17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?
18 And he said, This will I do, I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.
19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?
21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.
22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, neither for the body, what ye shall put on.
23 Thy life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse or barn: and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
26 If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
27 Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not, and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
28 If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?
29 And seek not what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be of doubtful mind.
30 For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.
31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God: and all these things shall be added unto you.
32 Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (parenthesis mine)
Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples. His words do not apply to only one group or sect, but to all of his disciples. This parable shows the love of the Father toward his children, and that he desires to be the provider of the necessities of their lives. Jesus tells us to take no thought for our lives, what we shall eat, drink, or wear. The word 'thought' in the Greek is the word merimnao, mir-im-nah'-o; “to be anxious about: (be, have) care (-ful), take thought. (Strong's) In other words, don't be anxious or worry about these things. This should not be surprising, when after all, God is a loving Father; OUR FATHER! He does not want his children to be uneasy in their minds about daily needs, but rather to trust him to take care of them. God's focus is on his children and he wants our focus to be on him.
Notice two important things in the story of the rich man. First (v.20) what he owned he had provided for himself. Second (v.21) He had neither depended on God for the provisions of life nor had he accumulated his riches for the purpose of serving God's purposes and glorifying God. As he labored to provide himself with these riches, his aim was not to build the kingdom of God. Self indulgence was his goal, along with security for himself.
When Jesus was asked who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he took a child, set him in the midst of them, and spoke these words. - (Matt. 18:3,4)
3 “And he said, verily I say into you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.
4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
A little child who is confident in his father's love, does not have to worry about food, clothes or shelter. Children take these things for granted. They see this as just a natural part of life, that is simply just provided for them.
Children trust. Even if such a child does begin to see that sometimes it is difficult to acquire these things, he does not doubt his father's willingness to come up with what he needs. Children who feel safe in their parents care, do not have a need to prove that what they have they provided for themselves, as do many adults. A child will gladly say, “Look what my daddy gave me!” For he feels loved when his father gives him a gift, unless he is a spoiled child. Children often take pride in their parents and their parent's love.
Our Lord tells us that unless we be converted and become as little children, we will not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Greek word for 'converted' is – strepho, stref'-o; to twist, that is, turn quite around or reverse (lit. or fig.) ... Jesus knew mans tendency to take great pride in what he provides for himself, and to use material things as symbols of his own greatness. But he calls for a reversal in thinking. He wants us to leave false pride and self sufficiency and become dependent on God, glorifying him for 'HIS' care for us.
In the parable in Luke 12, that we began this chapter with, Jesus gave these instructions in verse 31, -
“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
Instead of seeking food, drink and clothes, we are to seek a kingdom which we cannot enter into unless we become as humble, dependent children.
Consider for a moment what it means to 'seek' such a thing. The Lexicon gives this meaning for the word 'seek' in verse 29, where we are told not to 'seek' food and drink - “to seek [that is, in order to find out] by thinking, meditating, reasoning; inquire into”
In other words, to be preoccupied with this thought and how to accomplish it. Do not let the need for, nor the lust for food and clothes, preoccupy your thoughts.
But 'seek' in verse 31 where we're told to 'seek' the kingdom, is given this meaning in the Lexicon - “seek after, seek for, aim at, strive after. The word 'strive' means “To make efforts, to endeavor, with earnestness; to contend or vie. (Webster's) “Contend” means “To struggle in opposition; strive in rivalry; to assert rigorously – vi. To assert; maintain as true. (Webster's)
In order to become as humble, trusting, totally dependent little children, allowing our heavenly Father to be in control of all that we are and all that we have, and to give him all glory, all credit and all praise, we must die to self. Giving up pride and selfishness are some of the hardest things a human being can ever do.
It is no wonder we are told to 'seek', aim at that goal, strive for it, and contend or do battle. We must battle against self (aside from God) and battle against the enemy of our souls who is ever at hand to try to tempt and deceive us into going our own way and lifting ourselves to positions of glory. Let us seek the kingdom of God and maintain it as true!
Oh! how God's character is seen shining through everything he teaches us! Jesus had said in Matt. 10:38 -
And he that taketh not up his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
This cross is a symbol of self denial and here again we see the same attitude in this parable. God will never give us instructions in any area of life that would lead us to an attitude opposite of this! He will not go against his character.
The nations of the world seek after, are preoccupied with the thoughts of, food, clothes, houses and land, and on heaping up for themselves riches that they feel will display their worth and give them pleasure and security. But let it not be so among the children of God. He who would be greatest among you, let him be your servant, and let him be as a dependent child in relationship to God; his Father. After all, what is it that our Father takes pleasure in?
Luke 12:32 “ ... it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
DO YOU HEAR JESUS? DO YOU BELIEVE HIM?
THE FATHER WANTS TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM!
This applies to ALL who are his children, who are his disciples, who are the royal priesthood of God!
Jesus told all of us, whether pastors, evangelists, factory workers, home makers, etc., both how to give and what we'll receive. But it seems too simple and too selfless for many of us to grasp hold of. Jesus said it in Matt. 10:7&8 -
7 “And as you go preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give.”
This clearly speaks, even to ministers. Preach the kingdom which you cannot enter into without becoming as humble children. What God has given you so freely, now give it away, and as you do, don't be concerned what you will eat or wear, for your Father will provide for you.
How can you take personal credit for something you received freely and never earned? But you may say, “Oh! But these scriptures are speaking of giving spiritual things, not money or material things! Believe me, child of God, everything you have, God has allowed you to have and he could take it if he desired.
The Lord said to give it freely. The Greek word for 'freely' is 'dorean, do-reh-an'; “gratuitously (lit. or fig.): - without cause, freely, for nought, in vain” (Strong's)
Gratuitous means, “Given without charge; free, not required by the circumstances; unjustified: etc.” (Webster's) The preaching of the gospel was to be done without charge. We have not earned salvation, nor are we to give the good news of salvation based on merit.
Romans 8:32 “He that spared not his own son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us ALL things.” (emphasis mine)
1 Cor. 2:12 “Now we have received, not the spirit of this world, but the spirit which is of God: that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
2 Cor. 11:7 (Paul speaking) “Have I committed an offense in abasing (humbling or bringing low [Strong's]) myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? (some parenthesis mine) (added notation)
Dear reader, do you see the difference in what is taught in the parable in Luke and in these scriptures, from what is said in Malachi?
In Malachi the nation of Israel was told that God would rebuke the devourer if the people tithed. But in the New Testament we find that the power to heal the sick, raise the dead and even cast out devils was given to us freely! WHY? Because Jesus has already paid the price and defeated Satan through his death and resurrection! In the New Covenant, the devourer is not rebuked based on our giving a certain percent of our earnings. He was defeated once and for all by the Messiah, who is Jesus our Lord!
Now we give ourselves to Jesus and he freely works in and through us. It is quite clear that Jesus was in no way, shape or form, teaching tithing in the parable in Luke. He was teaching a new, better and more complete way! Never buy into a doctrine given by any man, that would distract from the truth of God, clearly taught in these scriptures, or from any words spoken by Jesus himself. FREELY you receive and in turn you are to freely give. This is God's teaching!
Luke 12:32 “Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to GIVE you the kingdom.” (emphasis mine)
Does this verse say “sell or trade you the kingdom, or does it say “give you the kingdom”? Never be afraid to give of yourself, of your time, of the Word, or even of your material things, to those who serve you in these same matters. God's supply is limitless. He freely gives you enough to meet your needs and will continue to do so when you give to his children and build his temple.
But what is the kingdom we are to seek? Well, the Greek word for 'kingdom' is “basileia, bas-il-i'-ah; royalty, that is, (abstr.) rule, or (concr.) a realm (lit. or fig.): - kingdom, + reign.” Realm means”A kingdom; a region, sphere, domain, or scope of influence or power.” Domain means “Absolute ownership of property; property so owned; a realm; field of action, influence or thought.” (Webster's)
When we think of a kingdom today, we think of a country or countries, under the rule of a particular king or queen. At the present, Jesus is ruler of heaven and of all those who have been ushered into his kingdom through salvation. Someday, however, Jesus will return and will rule and reign on the earth that is presently dominated by Satan and his cohorts.
Jesus bought back those who were brought under Satan's rulership through sin.
Acts 20:28 “ ... the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
(notice he bought it with his blood)
Luke 9:1 “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over ALL devils, and to cure diseases.” (emphasis mine)
As we've already seen, we are called his 'people', his 'body' and his 'temple'. Those who have been purchased by the blood of Jesus are to live under the rulership of Jesus Christ and according to the New Covenant, even now, have been given power and authority over Satan and all those evil spirits with him.
We still live in a world that is under the influence of Satan, but we now belong to Jesus, so we must keep our sights on our Lord and walk in 'His' Spirit, 'His' influence and 'His' rulership. Our whole mind set is to be that of children of God, belonging to 'His' kingdom. To enter 'His' kingdom is to enter the domain where Jesus has absolute rule and ownership. To maintain such a mind set while surrounded by totally opposing influences and lifestyles, requires the grace of God, and dedication to him and his Word. Satan is always looking for a way to destroy us.
Eph. 6:12 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
For this reason Jesus taught us not to have our minds preoccupied with the provisions of our body. He let us know that there is a battle going on for our souls. We must guard our mind and heart and seek to live in the kingdom, or, that is, the rulership of God, and bring others into it. The same message Jesus gave in Luke, he also gave in Matthew.
Matt. 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and ALL these things shall be added unto you.” (emphasis mine)
So then exactly what did Jesus say to do, and then all the necessities of life would be added to you? Tithe? No! He did not say this was the requirement for material blessing or security, did he? He said - “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” The Greek word for 'first' is proton, pro'-ton; firstly (in time, place, order, or importance): - before, at the beginning, chiefly, (at, at the) first (of all.) (Strong's) Jesus is very clear about where our focus should be.
Let me ask you a question. Suppose you were on a battlefield where a tremendous battle was raging and where the most sophisticated and dangerous weapons ever to be created, outside of nuclear weapons, were being employed. Suppose also that bullets were flying everywhere, bombs were landing nearby every few moments and the ground was networked with land mines etc. Now suppose that in the midst of all of this you were to stand up, wearing no armor, no helmet, no gas mask, no bullet proof vest, or any such protection and becoming completely oblivious to the battle, you began to search diligently for food and a finer suit of clothes. What do you think would happen to you in short order?
If in such a situation, you were to think to yourself, “I am hungry and cannot live without food, so I will go find enough for now and to last awhile besides. Also my clothes are dirty, old and ragged. I must not let any of these people see me like this or they may have a low estimation of me. I will find something better and more impressive.” Would you be called any less than a complete fool? Who will you be able to impress when you are dead and what will it matter then? What good did that rich man's goods which he provided for himself, in the parable in Luke, do him when he was dead?
There is a serious battle raging even now, and those who are oblivious to it are being wounded in it. Our enemy never ceases to plan his strategies to defeat the children of God, nor to carry out his tactics. This is why it is so important for us to present our bodies a living sacrifice unto God, that he can give it life by his Spirit, and enable us to discern the enemy. In the case of the child of God, giving up his life is the way to save it.
Matt. 10:39 “He that findeth his life shall loose it: and he that losseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Luke 17:33 “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall loose it; and whosoever shall loose his life shall preserve it.”
Let us not be like the rich man who provided for his flesh but not for his soul and died loosing it all, including his eternal soul. Going back to the parable in Luke 12, notice that immediately after Jesus expressed the attitude the Father has toward us and the attitude we should have, in verses 16-32, he continued on with these instructions.
Luke 12:33-40 “Sell what ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth.
34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
35 Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning
36 And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.
37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
39 And know this, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.
40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.”
First Jesus tells us of our Father's desire to 'give' us the kingdom, then immediately tells us to 'give'. But who among us would be willing to give in such a manner? Sell what we have and give to those in need? He did not tell them to give 10% of what they had, but rather, he told them to sell what they had. Does this sound a little extreme? Wouldn't tithing be easier than this?
Think for a moment of the Lord's prayer, as we call it, which Jesus gave as an example to his disciples, as how they should pray, in Matt. 6:9-13 First he showed them to give praise and honor to the Father. “ ... Hallowed be thy name.” (hallowed is to make holy, that is, [cer.] purify etc.) (Strong's) Next he had them to pray for God's kingdom, that it will come and that God's will, will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Then comes the prayer for provision. But notice how he has them pray. “Give us this day our daily bread.” He did not tell them to pray for a weeks supply nor a months supply, but only for daily provision. If we look back into the Old Testament, we can see that God wanted his people to be dependent on him, as the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness.
Exodus 16:15-21 “ ... And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.
16 This is the thing which the Lord commanded, Gather every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.
17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.
18 And when they did mete (to measure [Strong's]) it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every men according to his eating.
19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it until the morning.
20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses: but some of them left of it until morning, and it bred worms and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.”
God had provided manna from Heaven for his people to eat, which they didn't even have to work to provide. But he wanted them to trust him to provide their needs one day at a time. If anyone tried to save his manna until the next day, it bred worms and stank. God supplied them with a fresh supply daily. There was no room for either greed or worry. They either trusted and were content or lost it anyway.
God has always wanted his children to trust him, and believe in his love. His attitude has not changed. In the New Covenant, God still requires trust in him and there is still no room for greed or worry among his people, whether pastors or laymen. Even Moses who was the leader for the Israelite people, had to live by the same rules as the rest of the people.
Jesus taught that our heart is going to be where our treasure is. It is time to get our heart set on the kingdom of God and eternal things rather than on material things. Begin to build up treasures in heaven. It is time to get ourselves ready spiritually and begin helping to build our precious each others and to watch for our Lord's return. We do not know when he will come, but if we stay alert, we can know his voice and hear when he calls our name. When he does come, verse 37 of Luke 12 tells us, he is going to make us sit down and eat, and he is going to serve us!
OUR LORD IS GOING TO WAIT ON US! WHAT A THOUGHT!
Jesus wants to meet our needs now, while we reach out to serve one another, and then, when he comes again, he will serve us! Can you see his precious heart? How can we have 'his' Spirit inside of us, to lead and guide us, and not do as he would do and as he instructs us to do?
Now let me ask you in a very straight forward manner; have you yet, in any of these scriptures, heard Jesus speak one word about tithing? Do you wonder why, with all the talk of provision, this is not mentioned?
There was a time when Jesus did mention tithes, but he was not addressing his provision for us at the time. He was speaking to Pharisees and Scribes. Pharisees were very religious men of the Law of Moses, and Scribes were educated in the Mosaic Law and sacred writings. Jesus spoke to them in Matt. 23:23&24, and Luke tells of the incident In Luke 11:42. As we look into these scriptures in Matt., notice our Lord's attitude as he speaks. He appears very disturbed and speaks in a way which most of us would consider very blunt and very insulting.
Matt. 23:23&24 “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithes of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters OF THE LAW, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (emphasis mine)
Take a closer look at the first word Jesus spoke – 'woe'. The Greek word for 'woe' is ouai, oo-ah'-ee; a primary exclamation of grief: “woe”: - alas, woe.” (Strong's) The Greek Lexicon calls this word an interjection of grief or denunciation. Denunciate means “To denounce. Denounce means to condemn openly; etc.” (Webster's)
So Jesus was openly pointing out the error of these men's ways and doing so with obvious grief. Remember also that at that time the Law of Moses was still in effect, for Jesus had not yet died and completely fulfilled it. The New Covenant would come into effect after Jesus would state “It is finished” on the cross. So then, when Jesus rebuked these men, he was in the process of doing the work God sent him to do, of fulfilling the Law, but he himself, as well as these scribes and Pharisees, were still under the Mosaic Law.
In verse 23 we find that Jesus was speaking to these men concerning their own behavior in respect to “matters of the law” He pointed out to them that they were doing some parts OF THE LAW. They were paying 10% of their mint, of there anise and of their cummin; herbs, seeds and spices. When Jesus said “...ye pay tithes...”, the Greek word for “pay” is apodekatoo, ap-od-ek-at-o'-o; “to tithe (as debtor or creditor):- (give, pay, take) tithe. Since these men lived by the Law, they were debtors to it. However as they brought forth their 'dues' as far as herbs and spices, they were omitting other matters of the Law that Jesus called weightier. Now the Greek word for 'weightier' is barus, bar-ooce'; weighty, that is, (fig.) burdensome, grave:- grievous, heavy, weightier.” (Strong's)
Grave means “Solemn; serious; important; momentous; critical or threatening; ... Momentous means “Of great importance or consequence.” (Webster's)
These men were willing to do those parts of the Law that were easier and perhaps made a nice show. But they were not doing those things which were more burdensome. They could handle the outward things, but the things that had to do with the heart and the spirit were another matter.
LET ME ASK YOU DEAR READER
WHICH WOULD BE EASIER TO DO?
BRING A BUNCH OF NICE SMELLING SPICES AND HERBS
OR DEAL WITH JUDGMENT, EXERCISE MERCY AND LIVE IN FAITH?
WHICH HAS MORE VALUE?
The outward things which a man does may make him look good to others, while he thinks he can keep his inner man, with it's unclean thoughts and heart, hidden away. Do not be fooled; God sees the heart, and this is what Jesus addressed. Spices and herbs would never be as important or consequential as judgment, mercy and faith. Yes, he did tell them that they should have paid their 10% of spices and herbs, but not to have left the more burdensome matters of the Law undone. But this was an indictment, not a New Covenant teaching on tithing. Jesus never suggested that when the New Covenant came into effect, they would still be obligated to tithe according to the old law. He was speaking to men obligated to live by ALL of the LAW, not just pick and choose the parts that best suited their desires. Jesus was rebuking their pride and hypocrisy!
James 2:10 “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Jesus exposed these men who were looked upon as knowledgeable, or even as teachers of the Law, for what they really were. Doing only the part of the Law was doing them no good, even if others had been deceived into thinking them holy.
The apostle James, when writing to the people of Israel, told them how it was supposed to be, once Jesus had fulfilled and finished the Law.
James 1:25 “But whosoever looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.”
James 2:12 “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.”
And Paul said this in Galations 5:!&4 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
4 Christ is become OF NO EFFECT unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law. Ye are FALLEN FROM GRACE.” (emphasis mine)
Scripture speaks very plainly and very strong and shows an obvious difference in the Mosaic Law and the Law of Liberty; which is in Christ Jesus. If only those scribes and Pharisees could have realized that the one who was bringing the truth of their condition to light, was also the one who had come to free them from the handwriting of ordinances that was against them, and to take them from the ministration of death to the ministration of the Spirit, so that their hearts could be changed!
Jesus' words sounded harsh, but his words actually declared their need for him, their Savior and the better way he would bring them. Yet today preachers take his words to the scribes and Pharisees and use them to teach us to tithe, instead of realizing that in truth, his words were speaking to the plight of these men and others living in the Law of Moses, which could never change their hearts! Jesus also spoke to the Pharisees in Matt. Listen to what he said there.
Matt. 15:8&9 “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
9 But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
This very attitude is widespread in the church world today. Beautiful sounds of worship and praise rise in the churches. New songs and songs of awesome harmony fill the air. But how often do they come from people whose hearts are, in reality, far from him? And how often are ideas and opinions of men taught as doctrine, which scripture does not teach? It is time to listen both to the words and heart of Jesus and to live by what he taught.
Had Jesus told the Pharisees. “You sacrifice for sins, but leave corruption in your heart,” would preachers today teach us that Jesus wants us to continue to sacrifice for sins? I doubt it! He obviously was speaking before he gave his life for our sins, and what he said was not meant to suggest that we would stay under any part of the Law, once he ended it. As we've seen in scripture to be justified by law is to be fallen from grace.
Even today, faithful tithing makes a good show and may put you in good standing with so-called leadership in your church. As circumcision was a mark that showed the Israelites to be God's people, with whom he had a covenant, today tithing is a sign to pastors that a man is a faithful Christian and it may even give you some clout. But remember that this is man's idea, not God's, for God looks beyond your outward works, to your heart. The mark of a true Christian today should be his love. (What if you were to give out of love rather than law?) Jesus did not come to minister the Old Law to the people, but to bring them something far better.
Heb. 8:6-8 “But now hath he “Jesus” obtained a MORE EXCELLENT MINISTRY, by how much also he is the mediator of a BETTER covenant, which was established upon BETTER promises.
7 For if the first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
8 For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:” (emphasis mine)
The word 'tithes' only came out of the mouth of Jesus one other time in the New Testament, and again, it was when he was speaking to men who trusted in themselves, and their own works.
Luke 18:9-14 ;And he spake this parable unto certain which TRUSTED IN THEMSELVES that they were righteous, and despised others:
10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a
sinner.
14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbeleth himself shall be exalted.” (emphasis mine)
Obviously, Jesus was not using the Pharisee in this parable, as as an example of what he wanted us to do and be, but rather it it was the publican who demonstrated the right attitude of heart. Jesus was no more teaching us that we have to tithe by this parable, than he was teaching us that we have to fast twice a week as did the Pharisee. But he was teaching against pride, lifting ourselves above others and trusting in our own works, as though we can in any way earn righteousness. It is no longer he that does the works of the Law who is justified, but he that humbeleth himself before Almighty God!.
Eph. 2:8&9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Have you noticed that when Jesus spoke of the pride of the Pharisee, he mentioned tithes? But when he taught the people where their dependency should be, he did not mention tithes. This seems to have been one of the works that made these men feel righteous and justified. But it was not impressing God so much. I think too many men today also feel justified by the paying of their tithes and that because they do it God is required to bless them. Whose attitude do we prefer to have, that of the Pharisee, or that of our Lord?
One cannot, in all honesty, state that Jesus taught tithing if he cannot find it in scripture. We have no right to put words into the Saviors mouth or change the meaning of what he says in scripture, to fit what we want to believe. We are to rightly divide the the word of truth.
Now the only other place the word tithes is found in the New Testament is in the book of Hebrews, chapter seven in verses 5,6, 8&9, and the chapter is showing the difference in the Mosaic priesthood and the New Testament priesthood. None of the twelve apostles taught tithing either.
We will find giving taught in the New Covenant, and there is teaching on how ministers are to be cared for, as well as those that demonstrate the attitude the clergy should have toward God and his people. We were not left uninformed on these issues.
Let's go to Hebrews chapter seven and see what is said there and what it means to us.
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