How does Leviticus 23:38 connect with New Testament teachings on sacrificial giving? Setting the Verse in Context Leviticus 23 lists Israel’s annual festivals. After outlining each feast, verse 38 adds: “besides the Sabbaths of the LORD and besides your gifts and all your vow offerings and all your freewill offerings, which you give to the LORD.” Key Observations from Leviticus 23:38 • Festival sacrifices were in addition to: • Weekly Sabbath rest • Regular “gifts” (obligatory sacrifices) • Vow offerings (promised) • Freewill offerings (voluntary, joyful) • God welcomed voluntary expressions of love that went beyond required worship. • The pattern: foundational obedience + overflowing generosity. Principle Carried into the New Testament • God still delights in giving that flows from willing hearts rather than mere obligation. • The New Covenant does not abolish freewill offerings; it amplifies them as spiritual sacrifices: • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise… and do not neglect to do good and to share with others.” (Hebrews 13:15-16) Jesus as the Fulfillment and Model • His life was the ultimate freewill offering: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) • At the cross He provided what every sacrifice foreshadowed; our giving now responds to His gift, not to earn favor. Paul’s Teaching on Freewill Giving • Regular and intentional: “On the first day of every week, each of you is to set aside a portion…” (1 Corinthians 16:2) • Voluntary and cheerful: “Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) • Sacrificial: the Macedonians “gave according to their ability and even beyond their ability… of their own accord.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4) • Fragrant to God: “I have received everything in full… a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) Practicing Sacrificial Giving Today • Start with faithful obedience—honoring the Lord’s Day, meeting household needs, paying debts. • Add the “besides” offerings: gifts that stretch us, driven by gratitude for Christ. • Prioritize gospel work, care for the needy, and acts of mercy (Galatians 6:10; James 1:27). • Give regularly, purposefully, and joyfully, trusting God’s promise: “He who sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Leviticus 23:38’s call to voluntary, above-and-beyond offerings finds its echo in the New Testament’s invitation to joyful, sacrificial giving—grounded in the surpassing gift of Jesus Himself. |
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