What Did Jesus Say About Tithing in the New Testament?
Tithing is a topic that many Christians wonder about, especially when considering its relevance in today’s world. What did Jesus say about tithing in the New Testament? Though the New Testament writings do not focus heavily on tithing like the Old Testament does, Jesus did mention it in a couple of significant contexts. Understanding these passages can help us grasp the broader principle of giving and generosity in our Christian lives.
Tithing in the Old Testament Versus the New Testament
Before diving into what Jesus said, it’s crucial to understand the background of tithing itself. In the Old Testament, tithing was a command for the Israelites to give one-tenth of their produce and livestock to support the Levite priests and the temple (Leviticus 27:30-33). This practice was seen as a way to acknowledge God’s provision and maintain the system of worship.
In contrast, the New Testament shifts the focus from strict rules of tithing to a more profound spiritual commitment to giving. Jesus, while still honoring the law, emphasized the heart behind the act rather than the act itself.
Jesus’ Teachings on Generosity
One of the main teachings of Jesus regarding giving can be found in Matthew 6:1-4, where He talks about the importance of generosity and how it should be done discreetly, without seeking public recognition. Although this passage doesn’t mention tithing specifically, it sets the foundation for a generous heart.
Jesus emphasized that the motivation behind giving is essential. Rather than simply fulfilling a legal requirement, followers of Christ should give out of love and compassion. This perspective is essential to understanding how to approach the topic of tithing today.
The Pharisees and Tithing
In Matthew 23:23, Jesus addresses the religious leaders of His time, the Pharisees, who were meticulous about tithing but neglected more profound moral obligations. He rebukes them saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.”
This example showcases that while Jesus acknowledged their practice of tithing, He pointed out that it wasn’t enough. True righteousness comes from a heart that seeks to enact justice, mercy, and faith. This situation challenges us to look at our giving—are we simply fulfilling a requirement, or are we doing it from a heart full of faith?
The Widow’s Offering
Another significant moment related to giving comes from the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44. As Jesus observed people putting money into the temple treasury, He noted a poor widow who contributed just two small coins. Jesus commented that she had given more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, whereas the others gave out of their wealth.
This story underscores the idea that it’s not about the amount we give but the spirit in which we give it. The widow’s generosity reflects an attitude of trust in God, knowing that even her small offering was significant to Him. When thinking about tithing today, we can find encouragement in this story to give willingly and sacrificially, trusting God to provide for our needs.
The Principle of Giving
Throughout the New Testament, several passages emphasize the concept of generous giving. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 is particularly relevant here: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”
In this passage, Paul encourages believers to give according to what is laid on their hearts, rather than out of obligation. The essence of this teaching is about relationship with God—our giving should come as a reflection of our love and gratitude toward Him.
Tithing as a Guideline
Many modern Christians still view tithing as a good guideline for giving. While Jesus did not command it in the New Testament, tithing can serve as a starting point for many believers. If we take the 10% guideline seriously, it can help us cultivate a habit of giving regularly, which can be beneficial for both our spiritual growth and support of the church community.
Moreover, the act of giving regularly can help to shift our focus from accumulating material wealth to acknowledging that all we have comes from God. This change in mindset can lead to deeper trust in His provision and a more generous spirit.
Conclusion: The Heart Behind Giving
So, what did Jesus say about tithing in the New Testament? While He acknowledged the practice of tithing, Jesus placed greater emphasis on the spirit of generosity behind all forms of giving. The focus is on our hearts—how we see God and how we care for His people.
As Christians, we are called to give cheerfully, knowing that our resources are not just for our own use but for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Tithing can be viewed more as a stepping stone in our journey of cultivating a generous heart that reflects God’s love and abundance.
Common Questions Related to What Did Jesus Say About Tithing In The New Testament
Q. What is the significance of tithing in the New Testament?
A. In the New Testament, tithing is seen more as a matter of the heart rather than a strict law, emphasizing the need for generosity and love in giving.
Q. Did Jesus abolish tithing in the New Testament?
A. Jesus did not abolish tithing but shifted the focus from mandatory giving to the importance of generous heart attitudes in giving.
Q. How much should Christians give if not mandated to tithe?
A. Christians are encouraged to give as they are led by their hearts, remaining generous and cheerful in their contributions.
Q. What did Jesus say to the Pharisees about their tithing practices?
A. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their hypocrisy in tithing while neglecting important matters like justice and mercy.
Q. Can tithing be seen as a guideline for giving today?
A. Yes, many Christians use tithing as a guideline but emphasize that giving should come from a place of generosity rather than obligation.
Q. Is there any New Testament commandment to tithe?
A. No specific command exists in the New Testament to tithe; instead, believers are encouraged to give generously from the heart.
Q. How does Jesus’ teaching on the widow’s offering relate to tithing?
A. The widow’s offering illustrated that true giving is not about the amount but the heart behind the gift; it encourages sacrificial giving.
Q. What is the relationship between faith and giving in the New Testament?
A. Giving is closely tied to faith in God’s provision, reflecting trust in Him as we share our resources with others.
Q. Are there blessings associated with giving in the New Testament?
A. Yes, passages like 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 suggest that generous giving leads to spiritual blessings and a cheerful heart.
Q. How can understanding Jesus’ teachings on giving affect our daily lives?
A. Understanding these teachings helps shift our mindset towards generosity, trust in God, and the joy of giving to others in need.