23“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
Thoughts: Jesus was not condemning the tithe- as much as we might want Him to do so. Instead He is condemning the lack of heart in giving. They give out of a deep sense of duty, but they have missed the heart of giving- the compassion needed. They were walking passed the needy at the outside of the Temple in order to give a tithe of the dust and spices. Jesus wants them to be able to have a heart of generosity instead of a focus on the details of the Law. The Law is not condemned by Jesus, but He would like for us to both keep the Law and practice justice, mercy, and faithfulness.
In our day, there are those who totally neglect the law (antinomians) in an effort to be free. Then there are those who are legalists- trying to do what is right so they obey every little thing that might please Him. The better way is to know the Law, make every best effort to keep it, but also know and believe that we need God's grace to keep the Law and practice the heart of the Law loving neighbors in need.
The Pharisees were majoiring in the minors and minoring in the majors. Thus they strain out a gnat and swallow a camel.
Prayer: Lord, help me to listen to you. Thank you that you are full of grace.
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