Woe to you Pharisees! You pay tithes of mint and of rue and of every garden herb, but you pay no attention to judgment and to love for God. These you should have done, without overlooking the others. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the seat of honor in synagogues and greetings in marketplaces. Woe to you! You are like unseen graves over which people unknowingly walk." Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, "Teacher, by saying this you are insulting us too." And he said, "Woe also to you scholars of the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves do not lift one finger to touch them. (Lk 11:42-46)
Pharisees were one of the leading groups that influenced the society. They took the leadership on themselves with regard to the cultural practices of the society. Pious activities and the purification rules were their concern. They were very much concerned about these and they were also very faithful in observing these practices. They were ready to give up anything but not these practices.
Tenths of produce, property, or spoils, dedicated to sacred use is called tithe. From Abraham to the time of Jesus this practice was upheld. (Gen 14:20; Gen. 28:20-22). This practice also was prevalent among other cultures. This was done with cattle and all the produce of the land. This was only to say that all belonged to God and God was the owner of everything. The Pharisees were scrupulous in paying tithe for all even the smallest herbs (Mt. 23:23; Lk 18:12).
Jesus condemned the Pharisees for their life with regard to God and people. They were very scrupulous about paying tithe for the herbs but they were not bothered about the love for God and the people. They were longing for places of honour and they wanted to be seen by people.
