§ 1 The text
NASB
Matthew 23:23, NASB“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.”
“Justice is an Old Testament concern superseded by the New Covenant.”
§ 2 The argument
Jesus rebukes meticulous religionists for neglecting 'the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness.' Christ Himself pronounces 'woe' for neglecting justice — refuting the idea that justice is a merely Old Testament theme. The New Testament God still says 'woe' to those who neglect justice.
§ 3 Context & notes
Used to close the loop that 'the same God' commands justice in both testaments. Directly answers 'things changed after Christ.' Jesus names justice a 'weightier' matter, not an optional one.
§ 4 Themes
justice as weightier matter Jesus on justice same God hypocrisy woe
§ 5 Discussion questions
- Jesus calls justice a 'weightier' matter of the law. How does that answer the claim that justice is 'just an Old Testament thing'?
- What are the 'mint and dill' we might tithe while neglecting justice for the unborn?