Christless religion always tends towards legalism and inconsistency. Jesus had previously rebuked the Pharisees for being blind guides (Matthew 23:16), unable to help others see the truth because they did not understand it. The issue in these verses is tithing – giving one tenth of what came into the home for God to use. In particular they seized on the herbs and spices (Leviticus 27:30). But the religious leaders did not understand the purpose of tithing; they micro-managed the people to give one tenth of their income as a religious rite, but they were not concerned to ensure that their social priorities and business ethics pleased God. They had lost God's big picture and could only focus on the little things they could measure.

Jesus was not criticising the principle of tithing – which was also encouraged in the Early Church (1 Corinthians 16:2), but He was distressed that they could not see the purpose of tithing. It was intended as a reminder that everything belongs to the Lord (Leviticus 27:30); to support the Levites who worked in the tabernacle (Numbers 18:21), and later the temple (Malachi 3:8-10); and to provide for poor people (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). God wants His people to experience justice (1 Samuel 2:3) for He is the ultimate Judge. Mercy, faithfulness and loving-kindness are important elements of God's character. Tithing sets the practical reminder of our dependence on God and our responsibility to provide for others; part of the gold standard for His children's behaviour, which was demonstrated in the life of the Lord Jesus.

It is right to tithe and make gifts, and offerings on top of that; but when all that is done, God is looking for more. Not a greater quantity of herbs but a different quality of life - where a personal concern for justice has top priority among believers. The widows and orphans should be cared for (James 1:27); the poor, oppressed, bereaved, prisoners and broken-hearted should find God's favour (Isaiah 61:1-3); and those who have no hope hear the gospel (Matthew 11:5).

Some Christians seem only to care about the Word while others are immersed in social action. Jesus said that both are necessary. James said that faith without action is a dead thing (James 2:26). Trusting in Jesus, and learning to live like Him, gives the reason for the action; and kind actions are a natural expression of that belief. It is a trap for modern day believers to select one or the other, for both are essential. Otherwise the Bible teachers become blind advocates ... and the social activists are blind guides pointing people to a better life now - forgetting that eternity is the goal for us and ignoring that the ultimate purpose is for God to get the glory.