Jesus Christ: The High Priest, The King, and the First Fruit

The concept of tithing, priesthood, and the fruit of the Spirit is deeply woven into the fabric of Scripture, spanning both the Old and New Testaments. In the New Covenant, these elements take on a profound spiritual reality rooted in Jesus Christ as our High Priest and King. As believers, we are called to bear fruit in the Spirit, fulfilling our priestly and royal calling on earth. But this raises an important question: If we are all priests, who receives the tithe?

This article explores the transition from the Old Testament practice of tithing to the New Testament reality of Spirit-filled giving and fruit-bearing in Christ.

Tithing in the Old Testament: A Shadow of Things to Come

In the Old Testament, tithing was a commandment under the Mosaic Law. The Israelites were instructed to give a tenth of their harvest, livestock, and other produce to support the Levitical priesthood and the work of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 27:30-33, Numbers 18:21). The tithe was given to the Levites because they had no inheritance of land; their role was to minister before God and serve as intermediaries for the people.

Deuteronomy 14:22-23 emphasizes the purpose of tithing:"Be sure to set aside a tenth of all that your fields produce each year... so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always."

The tithe was also used for festivals and to support the poor, reflecting God’s desire for communal worship and care. However, the Old Testament system was a shadow of the greater reality to come in Christ (Colossians 2:17).

The New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus as Our High Priest

In the New Testament, the priesthood of the Levites is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who is our eternal High Priest. Hebrews 7:22-27 explains that Jesus, in the order of Melchizedek, is superior to the Levitical priesthood. Melchizedek, who received tithes from Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20), serves as a type of Christ, pointing to a priesthood that is eternal and perfect.

"Because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25)

With Christ as our High Priest, believers are no longer under the Old Covenant law of tithing. Instead, we are called to live in the freedom of the Spirit, offering spiritual sacrifices as priests of God (1 Peter 2:5, Revelation 1:6).

The Priesthood of Believers: Kings and Priests in Christ

Through Christ’s redemptive work, believers are now part of a royal priesthood:"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9)

As priests on earth, we are called to offer sacrifices—not of grain or livestock, but of praise, thanksgiving, and the fruit of the Spirit (Hebrews 13:15, Galatians 5:22-23). This shift reflects the spiritual reality of the New Covenant, where our offerings are rooted in love and relationship rather than obligation.

If all believers are priests, the question arises: Who receives the tithe? The answer lies in understanding the spiritual nature of giving in the New Testament. Our "tithe" is no longer tied to agricultural harvests but to the fruit borne by the Spirit in our lives.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Our True Offering

In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external tithing to internal transformation. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit:"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law."

These fruits are the evidence of a Spirit-filled life and represent the ultimate offering we present to God and others. When we walk in love, kindness, and generosity, we fulfill the essence of giving. As Jesus said in Matthew 22:37-39, the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

While the fruit of the Spirit is spiritual, it often manifests through our material resources. For instance:

• Love can be expressed through acts of kindness and generosity, such as supporting those in need.
• Goodness can involve giving financially to further the work of God’s kingdom or to help the less fortunate.
• Faithfulness can include using our resources to honor God and steward them wisely.

This kind of giving flows naturally from a heart transformed by the Spirit, not from coercion or obligation.

Tithing and Spirit-Led Giving

The New Testament does not abolish giving but transforms it into a Spirit-led act of worship. 2 Corinthians 9:7 encapsulates this principle:"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Paul’s teaching emphasizes that giving should be voluntary, cheerful, and motivated by love. The early church practiced sacrificial giving, sharing their resources to meet each other’s needs (Acts 2:44-45). This was not a legalistic tithe but a reflection of their unity in Christ.

Conclusion: Living as Kings and Priests in Christ

In Christ, we are both kings and priests, called to rule with Him and offer spiritual sacrifices to God. Jesus is our High Priest, the fulfillment of the Old Testament tithes and offerings. Our "tithe" in the New Covenant is the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—that we bear through our relationship with Him.

When we give, whether it is financial or otherwise, it should flow from a heart transformed by the Spirit. It is not about meeting a legal requirement but about expressing our love for God and others. As we live out our priestly calling, may we offer spiritual sacrifices that honor God and bless the world around us.