Luke 11:42

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 (KJV)

Context

In Luke 11, Jesus pronounces a series of woes against the Pharisees, who were known for their strict adherence to religious rituals and traditions. In this verse, He rebukes them for their meticulous tithing of small garden herbs such as mint and rue while neglecting justice and the love of God. The woe is part of a broader condemnation of their external religious observance that masks inner corruption.

Meaning

Jesus acknowledges the importance of tithing, affirming that the Pharisees were right in doing so. Tithing was an Old Testament practice of giving a tenth of produce to support the Levites and the temple. However, Jesus insists that they should not neglect the weightier matters of the law: judgment (justice) and the love of God. The phrase “these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone” indicates that both duties are obligatory; tithing is not to be abandoned, but it must be accompanied by a genuine commitment to justice and love.

Biblical connections

Jesus’ rebuke highlights the danger of focusing solely on external religious observance while neglecting matters of the heart. Tithing was a visible act of religious duty, but Jesus teaches that it should be accompanied by justice and love for God. True obedience to God’s commandments involves not only religious rituals but also a commitment to justice and righteousness. The Pharisees were meticulous in tithing, but they overlooked their responsibility to bring about justice and fairness in society.

Application

This verse calls believers to examine their own practices. It is possible to be diligent in religious duties while neglecting the core of the faith. Jesus calls for a balanced approach, where both external actions and internal attitudes align with God’s desires. Justice and love for God are not optional extras; they are essential expressions of genuine faith. As we fulfill our religious obligations, we must also actively pursue fairness, mercy, and a deep, sincere love for God.

Reflection

Jesus’ words challenge us to consider whether our religious activities are motivated by a genuine love for God and a passion for justice. The Pharisees’ practices were void of genuine love, as their focus was primarily on outward appearances and self-righteousness. Let us not make the same mistake. Instead, let us embrace both the discipline of tithing and the weightier matters of judgment and love, so that our worship is pleasing to God.