Matthew 23:23

Matthew 23:23
This verse has been a perennial favorite to those who denounce a “legalistic” approach to the scriptures. In other words, we are told that God did not intend for us read the scriptures with the intent of examining every little point revealed in the Bible or to try to meticulously obey the Lord’s commands. Instead, we are told that only the really important commands are to be followed. Important commands are defined as love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. But if you will read this verse carefully, the Lord did not condemn carefully and meticulously searching and obeying His will. In fact, in referring to the tithing of the smallest of herbs in comparison with justice, mercy, and faithfulness, Jesus said, “these you ought to have done without leaving the others undone.” Jesus did not condemn the Pharisees for tithing their herbs! Instead, He said that they “ought” to have concentrated on the weightier matters of the Law while at the same time obeying what might be considered the smallest of commands.
The problem with the Pharisees was that they used such things as the tithing of herbs and other visible acts of worship, as the exclusive standard for righteousness. Indeed, there are “weightier matters” of the Law. When the inward character of a man is in line with true God-likeness, things like the tithe will fall into its proper place. The proper order in service to God starts on the inside and works out. It does not begin with outward works and how one is seen by men. If we are first concerned with how God sees us and whether or not we are God-like, the way we appear before men will take care of itself.
Berry Kercheville