Luke 18:12 – “I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, the Pharisee continues his self-centered prayer by listing his religious accomplishments. He boasts about fasting twice a week and giving a tithe (a tenth of his income) from everything he receives. On the surface, these practices seem admirable—fasting and tithing were important parts of Jewish religious life. But the Pharisee’s problem isn’t the practices themselves; it’s his attitude. Instead of humbly offering these acts of worship to God, he uses them as evidence of his superiority and self-righteousness.
Fasting was typically done once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:29-31), but some devout Jews, especially the Pharisees, fasted twice a week to demonstrate their religious commitment. The problem is that the Pharisee views his extra fasting and tithing as a way to earn God’s favor and distinguish himself from others. His prayer is not about connecting with God but about showing off his supposed spiritual achievements.
Historical Context
In Jewish society, fasting and tithing were seen as important spiritual disciplines. Fasting was associated with repentance, humility, and seeking God’s guidance. Tithing was commanded in the law of Moses (Leviticus 27:30-32) to support the work of the temple and care for the poor, widows, and orphans. Pharisees were known for going beyond the minimum requirements of the law. For example, while the law required tithing from crops and livestock, many Pharisees tithed on everything, including herbs and spices (Matthew 23:23).
However, Jesus often criticized the Pharisees for turning these practices into displays of pride and legalism. Instead of using them as genuine acts of worship, they used them to boost their reputation and compare themselves to others. This attitude is what Jesus is addressing in this parable.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights a key theological principle: righteousness cannot be earned through good works. The Pharisee believes that his fasting and tithing make him more righteous, but Jesus teaches that these external actions are meaningless without a humble heart. True righteousness comes through faith and a relationship with God, not through religious rituals or moral achievements.
The verse also warns against the danger of legalism—relying on outward obedience to religious rules while neglecting the inward transformation that God desires. The Pharisee’s focus on his actions reveals his misunderstanding of God’s grace. He believes he can earn God’s approval, but Scripture consistently teaches that salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Literary Analysis
This verse is a continuation of the Pharisee’s self-focused prayer, and its structure emphasizes his pride. Instead of confessing sin or asking for God’s help, the Pharisee lists his accomplishments as if presenting a spiritual résumé. The phrase “I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” is meant to show that the Pharisee is going above and beyond what is required by the law.
Jesus uses this exaggerated portrayal of the Pharisee to highlight the contrast between external religion and true humility. The Pharisee’s emphasis on “I” and his list of achievements underscore his pride and lack of dependence on God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 58:3-7 – “Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? … Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke?”
- Micah 6:6-8 – “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? … He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- Matthew 6:1-2 – “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
- Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
These passages highlight the importance of inner humility and genuine devotion over outward religious displays.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder to avoid the trap of self-righteousness and legalism. It’s easy to fall into the habit of thinking that religious activities—attending church, serving in ministry, giving offerings—make someone more acceptable to God. But Jesus teaches that these actions are meaningless if they are done with the wrong heart.
This verse challenges Christians to evaluate their motives. Are they fasting, giving, and serving out of genuine love for God and others, or are they doing it to gain approval and recognition? The Pharisee’s mistake was not in his fasting or tithing but in his prideful attitude. Today’s Christian is called to approach God with humility, recognizing that even the most faithful acts of worship are worthless without God’s grace.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is not dependent on human performance. The Pharisee’s attitude shows a misunderstanding of God’s character—he believes that God’s approval is earned through religious deeds. But God’s love is unconditional and freely given to those who come to Him with a humble and repentant heart.
God doesn’t require perfection or religious accomplishments to accept someone. He desires a heart that is honest, humble, and dependent on Him. His love is demonstrated in the fact that He forgives sinners who acknowledge their need for Him, not those who boast about their own righteousness.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate example of humility and obedience. While the Pharisee boasts about his religious achievements, Jesus humbly served others and obeyed God perfectly. His life, death, and resurrection made it possible for people to be made right with God, not through their own efforts but through faith in Him.
Through Jesus, believers are freed from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor. Instead of striving to prove themselves through good works, they can rest in the assurance that Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient. His death on the cross paid the price for sin, making it possible for anyone who believes in Him to be justified before God (Romans 5:1).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what ways do you rely on your religious activities or good deeds to feel acceptable to God?
- How can you shift your focus from outward actions to an inward relationship with God?
- What role does humility play in your prayer life and worship?
- How does understanding God’s grace free you from the pressure of trying to earn His love?
- What practical steps can you take to ensure that your acts of worship are done with the right motives?