What connections exist between Leviticus 25:51 and Christ's redemptive work in the New Testament? Leviticus 25:51 in context “If many years remain, he must pay for his redemption in proportion to his purchase price.” (Leviticus 25:51) • The verse sits inside the Jubilee legislation (Leviticus 25:8-55). • An Israelite who had sold himself to a foreigner could be bought back. • The ransom price was carefully calculated: remaining years × annual wage. • Fairness and liberation were the twin goals—no exploitation, no permanent slavery. Key themes in the verse • Redemption (Hebrew gaʾal): a bought-back freedom. • Proportional payment: the debt’s exact value had to be met. • Kinsman-redeemer: usually a close relative should step in (v. 48-49). • Jubilee hope: at the fiftieth year, every slave went free even if no one had paid. How Christ fulfills the pattern • Jesus is the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, sharing our humanity (Hebrews 2:14-17). • He does not negotiate a proportional payment; He pays the full, perfect price once for all (Hebrews 9:12). • The liberation He provides is not merely social but spiritual—freedom from sin, death, and the law’s penalty (Galatians 3:13; Romans 8:2). Parallels between the calculated price and Jesus’ sacrifice 1. A real debt existed – In Leviticus 25, poverty led to slavery. – In the gospel, sin leaves every person indebted and enslaved (John 8:34). 2. A price had to match the debt – The Old Testament slave could not name his own price; an objective standard applied. – God’s holiness demands a flawless sacrifice; only Christ’s blood meets the standard (1 Peter 1:18-19). 3. A kinsman steps in – Family solidarity moved a brother or uncle to redeem (Leviticus 25:48-49). – The Word became flesh to be our Brother-Redeemer (Galatians 4:4-5). 4. Freedom follows payment – Once the silver changed hands, the slave walked free. – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) New Testament echoes • “The Son of Man came…to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) • “You were bought at a price.” (1 Corinthians 6:20) • “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” (Ephesians 1:7) • “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” (Galatians 3:13) • “He gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” (Titus 2:14) Application for believers today • Confidence: the ransom is fully paid; no outstanding balance remains. • Identity: no longer slaves but adopted sons and daughters (Romans 8:15). • Rest: Jubilee foreshadows eternal rest in Christ (Hebrews 4:9-10). • Mission: proclaim liberty to captives, just as Jesus did (Luke 4:18-21). |
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