What does offering the "gift Moses commanded" signify about Jesus' view of the Law? Setting the Scene Matthew 8:4 (see also Mark 1:44; Luke 5:14) records Jesus’ words to the cleansed leper: “See that you tell no one. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” Why the “Gift Moses Commanded” Matters Leviticus 14:1-32 lays out the detailed offerings a cleansed leper was to bring: • two clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, hyssop • a lamb for a guilt offering, grain offerings, and oil These sacrifices publicly certified the individual as clean and restored him to worship and community life. What This Reveals About Jesus’ View of the Law • Respect for God-given revelation – Jesus directs the man straight to the Mosaic instructions, affirming their divine authority. • No shortcuts around Scripture – Though He had power to heal instantly, Jesus still honors the established process rather than declaring it obsolete on the spot. • Fulfillment, not annulment – Matthew 5:17-18: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” The command to offer demonstrates that “fulfill” means bringing the Law to its intended completion without discarding it. • Public testimony – The offering would serve “as a testimony to them” (the priests). Jesus wanted the religious leaders confronted with undeniable evidence of divine power operating in perfect harmony with the Law they administered. • Transition toward the New Covenant – By honoring the Law while healing miraculously (Isaiah 35:5-6), Jesus signaled that the promised Messiah had arrived—One who both keeps the Law and inaugurates something greater (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Validation of priestly witness – The priests validated cleansings. Jesus involved them, underscoring proper authority structures until His atoning work established a new, superior priesthood (Hebrews 7:23-28). Broader Scriptural Harmony • Romans 3:31: “Do we, then, nullify the Law by this faith? Certainly not! Instead, we uphold the Law.” • Galatians 4:4: “When the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son… born under the Law.” • Luke 17:14: Ten lepers are also told, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” The pattern is consistent. Practical Takeaways for Today • Jesus loved and obeyed God’s written Word; following Him means cherishing all Scripture. • Obedience often follows blessing—healing came first, yet the leper still had to act on Jesus’ command. • Authentic faith produces visible testimony that points others to God’s work. • While Christians are not under the ceremonial code, the moral integrity and reverence for God’s instructions remain vital (1 Peter 1:15-16). |
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