How does Leviticus 25:37 connect with Jesus' teachings on generosity? The Setting: Leviticus 25:37 “‘You must not lend him your silver at interest or sell him your food for profit.’” What Leviticus Teaches • God’s people were commanded to help a fellow Israelite who had fallen into poverty, not exploit the crisis for personal gain. • The verse safeguards dignity: meeting needs takes priority over making money. • Underlying assumption: the land, resources, and prosperity ultimately belong to the LORD (Leviticus 25:23). How Jesus Carries This Forward • Luke 6:34-35 — “And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? … lend and expect nothing in return; then your reward will be great.” • Matthew 5:42 — “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” • Matthew 6:19-21 — Storing treasure in heaven, not on earth, shows where the heart rests. • Matthew 25:35-40 — Serving “the least of these” is serving Christ Himself. Shared Core Principles • Stewardship, not ownership: both passages assume God owns everything (Psalm 24:1). • Compassion over commerce: people are never to be treated as profit opportunities (cf. Proverbs 19:17). • Trust in God’s provision: refusing interest (OT) or repayment (NT) pushes the giver to rely on God, not the deal, for security. Practical Takeaways • Examine motives in giving: Is love or return on investment driving the decision? • Practice “no-strings” generosity: gifts, loans, and hospitality that mirror God’s grace. • Guard against modern forms of exploitation—predatory lending, price-gouging, or leveraging someone’s desperation. • Cultivate a lifestyle that treats resources as tools to bless others, anticipating the eternal reward Jesus promises (Luke 14:13-14). |
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