This post was last updated on November 5, 2025

Day 275, Year 1

God’s Work is More Important than Man’s

“And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, that is nothing, but whoever swears by the offering on it, he is obligated.’ You blind men, which is more important, the offering, or the altar that sanctifies the offering?” (Matthew 23:18-19 NASB)

For the scribes and Pharisees, etc., at that time, money was pivotal. So, they saw that the offerings on the altar had the effect of binding an oath. Indeed, if the altar appears empty, it is human nature to think that there is nothing important. However, Jesus states straightforwardly that one temptation for those who trust God is to look at their offerings as more important than God’s ordinance for giving. This is to see the two indispensable parts of the faith of God and man upside down.

During that time, it is likely that their religion overlooked the participation of the poor. Those in extreme poverty had nothing to offer and could not swear by gifts or offerings; thus, they were not blessed by their “god.” Of course, the Pharisees, etc., as cynical as they were, disregarded those who could not offer gifts. Yet, Jesus implied that the altar was established according to God’s instructions. Even if there were no offerings on it, anyone who swore by the altar, including the impoverished, was obligated. This passage implies that excluding the poor from the faith is disgraceful. According to the Bible, pious believers need to care for and help the poor.

Believers should understand that God’s work is the foundation and the greatest. Nevertheless, people’s response is also crucial for themselves. By extension, God’s work is more vital than any human responses. In the salvation which believers experience, no matter how great our faith is, if Jesus did not atone for our sins, we still cannot be saved. Similarly, while human offerings to God are crucial, His commandment and acceptance of our offerings are more vital. This is akin to the spiritual principle of God turning filth into holiness. After acting in accordance with His rules and experiencing cleansing or other blessings, we should praise Him from our hearts. It is God who accepts the hearts of those who give praise to Him unceasingly. Thus, according to Jesus’ teaching, after doing our duty to the best of our ability, we should say: “we are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done” (Luke 17:10 NASB). Since God’s work comes first, those who give according to His rules can often receive His reward. However, these rewards are not to be taken for granted; rather, they allow us to continue receiving greater works from Him.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you agree that Jesus condemns those who exclude the poor from the faith? Why?

2) Do you understand the importance of God’s work so that you could do your own part and continue to give, praise, and serve Him from the heart?