No, Jesus did not abolish tithing. Instead, His teachings indicate He upheld and clarified the principles behind it, emphasizing fulfillment rather than cancellation of the Law.
Understanding Jesus' Stance on the Law
Jesus made it clear that His mission was not to dismantle the existing Law but to bring it to its intended completion and deeper meaning. As stated in the Gospels, Jesus declared, "Do not think that I came to abolish the Law and the Prophets but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). This foundational statement is key to understanding His approach to all Old Testament practices, including tithing.
The Principle of Fulfillment, Not Abolition
Jesus' mission was not about discarding divine commands but about revealing their true spiritual intent and perfect application. This means:
- Completion: He brought the Law to its full realization, showing its ultimate purpose and how it pointed to Him.
- Deepening: He moved beyond mere external observance to focus on the heart and motive behind actions.
Here's a comparison to illustrate the difference:
| Aspect | Abolish | Fulfill |
|---|---|---|
| Core Idea | To cancel, invalidate, or bring to an end | To complete, bring to perfection, or give full meaning |
| Jesus' Action | Did not discard or declare irrelevant | Perfected the Law's intent and demonstrated its purpose |
| Implication for Tithing | Tithing would cease to be a valid practice | The principle of giving is upheld and spiritually enriched |
Tithing and Almsgiving in the Gospels
The Gospels show that Jesus operated within and assumed the practice of tithing and related acts of almsgiving common in His time. While He never condemned the act of tithing itself, He did offer powerful critiques of those who practiced it hypocritically, neglecting the more profound aspects of God's commands.
For example, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for meticulously tithing even the smallest herbs like mint, dill, and cumin, while simultaneously neglecting "the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness" (Matthew 23:23). He did not tell them to stop tithing; rather, He stated, "These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." This clearly indicates that He affirmed the practice of tithing while calling for a deeper, more sincere adherence to the spirit of the Law.
Key Takeaways from Jesus' Teachings on Giving:
- Emphasis on the Heart: Jesus consistently highlighted that the spirit behind an action, especially giving, was paramount. Generosity, justice, and love were to underpin all acts of devotion.
- Continuity of Principle: The act of giving a portion back to God, whether as a tithe or other offering, remained a valid expression of faith and stewardship.
- Transformative Living: His teachings called followers to a higher standard, where external religious duties were coupled with internal righteousness and genuine care for others.
Therefore, Jesus did not abolish the practice of tithing. Instead, He taught that it should be done with integrity, alongside a commitment to justice, mercy, and faithfulness, thereby fulfilling the Law's true intent.
