How does Leviticus 5:16 connect with Jesus' teachings on repentance and restitution? Leviticus 5:16 in Context • “He must make restitution for that which he has done wrong in regard to the holy things, and add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the priest. Then the priest will make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he will be forgiven.” • The offender: – Acknowledges specific guilt. – Repays what was lost or damaged. – Adds 20 % as concrete evidence of sincere repentance. – Brings a substitutionary sacrifice so that “he will be forgiven.” • Together, repentance, restitution, and atonement form one package; none can stand alone. Jesus Echoes and Elevates the Principle • Matthew 5:23-24—“First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” – Jesus won’t allow worship that bypasses unresolved wrongs. • Matthew 6:12—“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” – Even prayer includes a commitment to balance the relational books. • Luke 17:3-4—Forgiveness and repeated repentance go hand in hand. – Repentance is verbal (“I repent”) yet proven by changed conduct. Zacchaeus: A Living Example (Luke 19:1-10) • Meets Jesus → immediate conviction. • “Look, Lord, half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay fourfold.” • Jesus replies, “Today salvation has come to this house.” – Restitution is not the purchase of salvation, but the fruit of genuine repentance. – Leviticus requires 120 %; Zacchaeus volunteers 400 %—grace fuels generosity beyond the minimum. From Animal Sacrifice to the Cross • Leviticus 5:16’s ram anticipates “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). • Hebrews 10:10—“We have been sanctified through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” • The pattern remains: – Confess the wrong. – Make tangible amends where possible. – Trust the divinely provided Substitute. Practical Takeaways for Today • Identify any “holy things” misused—time, money, relationships, church resources. • Calculate and return what was taken, adding a visible margin of good faith. • Seek reconciliation before worship gatherings; it protects unity and invites blessing. • Let Christ’s finished atonement motivate—not replace—active restitution. |
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