How does this verse connect to Jesus' sacrifice for all, rich or poor? Verse in focus Leviticus 14:31 — “One of the turtledoves or young pigeons, whatever he can afford, is to be offered—one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering; this is how the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD.” A gracious provision for every pocket • God gives identical atonement to the wealthy (lambs, v. 21) and to the poor (birds, v. 31). • The issue is not the cost of the animal but the blood that is shed and presented. • The priest’s pronouncement of cleansing rests on God’s promise, not on human purchasing power. Foreshadowing the all-sufficient sacrifice • Hebrews 10:1 – 4 shows that these offerings were “a shadow of the good things to come.” • The sin offering points to Jesus bearing our guilt (2 Corinthians 5:21). • The burnt offering pictures total devotion; Christ gave Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:10). Rich and poor meet together at the cross • Proverbs 22:2 — “The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.” • Luke 2:24 records Joseph and Mary offering the very birds mentioned in Leviticus 14, highlighting Jesus’ identification with the poor from birth. • At His death, wealthy Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57) and likely penniless criminals on adjacent crosses witness the same redeeming blood. • Galatians 3:28 — in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female,” and by extension neither rich nor poor. The cost paid in full • Romans 3:23-24 — all have sinned, all are “justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 — redemption is “not with perishable things such as silver or gold…but with the precious blood of Christ.” • Because the price is His blood, no one can add to it, and no one is priced out of it. Living implications • Confidence: My standing before God rests on Christ, not on resources, status, or achievements. • Compassion: Since His sacrifice embraces every social level, I treat others without partiality (James 2:1-7). • Generosity: Knowing Christ became poor so we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9), I gladly share with those in need. |
    |