This post was last updated on November 8, 2025

Day 277, Year 1

Do the Weightier in Truth

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23 NASB)

There is little information in the Bible about spices such as mint,  dill, or cumin. The last sentence in today’s verse goes, “… without neglecting the others,” meaning that Jesus did not object to their tithes. In my opinion, Jesus is specifically addressing their “opting for the easy or soft option” mentality and possibly reminding them of how they should view Him. For if they were merely titular scribes or Pharisees who were unserious toward the Law of Moses, they were likely to become titular disciples after converting to Jesus Christ. Conversely, Paul, the young Pharisee whom Jesus called, had been a very dedicated Pharisee. Later, he came to faith in Christ and became a devoted Christian.

Jesus pointed out that the Pharisees, etc., failed to prioritize and did not seriously practice the important parts of the law, namely, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Their attitude towards life was flawed, as they tended to neglect what was more important and dwell on the trivial. Hence, Jesus considered them to be people who “could say but not do.” If people engage only in the easy and simple things in faith while neglecting the essential parts, this, in the Lord’s eyes, amounts to not practicing the faith. In reality, many people, despite claiming to believe or be Christians, not only fail to understand justice, mercy, and faithfulness, but also refuse to make even a simple tithing. They reduce faith to the point that nothing else, whether external or internal, matters as long as they claim to believe in their hearts. They seek only the benefits of faith, but are disobeying God’s Word. Jesus rebuked such people for their distorted understanding of the faith, and even prophesied that they would suffer eternally.

The major religions in the world all emphasize the sacrifice and dedication of believers. But in Protestantism, a belief emerged that people need not change, repent, or sacrifice, yet can gain more personal benefits. Jesus condemns this kind of faith. And the punishment for those who mislead others into falsely believing in Him may be more severe than simply being said “woe to them.” Contrarily, some pursue justice, mercy, and faithfulness without faith, and are closer to God’s kingdom than the ancient Pharisees, etc. However, if someone replaces God with the pursuit of justice, mercy, and faithfulness, it will be idolatry and bring even greater calamity.

Reflection questions:

1) Are you willing to always practice tithing, as well as God’s justice, mercy, and faithfulness in your living?

2) Will you encourage those around you to join you in the pursuit of justice, mercy, and faithfulness? Why?