------------------------------------------------------- > **Cross Reference:** #redeemer, #salvation, #Old_Testament, #Jesus_Christ, #theology ## Redeemer: The Role of [[Jesus Christ]] in Our [[Redemption]] ([Leviticus 25:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+25.25&version={{AMP}}); [Galatians 3:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+3.13&version={{AMP}})) In both the [[Old Testament]] and [[00.New Testament]], the concept of [[Redemption]] is a powerful theme that speaks to [[God’s plan]] to rescue, restore, and liberate His people. The term "redeemer" (גאל, *go’el*) refers to one who pays a price on behalf of another, often to free someone from debt or bondage. This imagery finds its fullest expression in the work of [[Jesus]], whose sacrificial death is described as the ultimate act of [[Redemption]] for humanity. > "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." ([Galatians 3:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gal+3.13&version={{AMP}}) NIV) Let’s explore the rich biblical background of [[Redemption]], focusing on how it is portrayed in both Testaments, and consider how this shapes our understanding of [[Jesus]] as our Redeemer. ### [[Old Testament]] Foundations of [[Redemption]] ([Leviticus 25:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+25.25&version={{AMP}})) [[Redemption]] in the [[Old Testament]] primarily involved [[property]] and [[people]]. The Hebrew word for redeemer, *go’el*, refers to a family member who has the obligation to “redeem” or buy back land or individuals that have fallen into poverty or slavery. This ensured that families retained their ancestral lands and that people were not left in perpetual bondage. #### 1. **Repurchase of Property** The law in [Leviticus 25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus+25&version={{AMP}}) outlines that if an [[Israelite]] had to sell their land due to financial hardship, a close relative could buy it back to restore it to the family: > "If one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells some of his property, his nearest relative is to come and redeem what his countryman has sold." ([Leviticus 25:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev+25.25&version={{AMP}}) NIV) This act of [[Redemption]] was a safeguard against wealth inequality, ensuring that land ownership remained balanced among the [[tribes of Israel]]. It also carried a spiritual message: the land belonged to [[God]], and His people were tenants ([Leviticus 25:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev+25.23&version={{AMP}})). #### 2. **Freedom of Slaves** Similarly, if an [[Israelite]] sold themselves into slavery to pay off a debt, a *go’el* could redeem them by paying the price of their freedom: > "If an alien or a temporary resident among you becomes rich and one of your countrymen becomes poor and sells himself... his uncle or cousin or any blood relative may redeem him." ([Leviticus 25:47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Lev+25.47&version={{AMP}}) NIV) In this context, [[Redemption]] was more than financial—it restored dignity and family ties. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how [[God’s redemptive actions]] in your life restore not only your relationship with Him but also your sense of purpose and belonging. ### The [[Redeemer]] in the Story of [[Ruth]] ([Ruth 4:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+4.1&version={{AMP}})) One of the most famous examples of a kinsman-redeemer in the [[Bible]] is [[Boaz]], who redeems both the land and the widow, [[Ruth]]. When [[Naomi]] and [[Ruth]] return to [[Judah]] in poverty, they are vulnerable. [[Boaz]] steps in to redeem [[Naomi’s land]] and marry [[Ruth]], thereby securing her future. > "Then Boaz said... 'I will redeem it." ([Ruth 4:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+4.4&version={{AMP}})) What makes [[Boaz’s redemption]] remarkable is that he goes beyond his legal obligation. He not only redeems the land but also marries [[Ruth]], ensuring that [[Naomi’s family line]] is preserved. This act of redemption ultimately places [[Ruth]] and [[Boaz]] in the genealogy of [[Jesus]] ([Matthew 1:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+1.5&version={{AMP}})). In [[Boaz]], we see a foreshadowing of the greater Redeemer to come—[[Jesus Christ]]—who also goes beyond legal obligation to offer grace and restoration. #### Call to Action: - Think about how you can follow [[Boaz’s example]] by going beyond obligation to show grace and care to others. ### [[God]] as the Ultimate [[Redeemer]] ([Job 19:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+19.25&version={{AMP}})) The concept of [[God]] as Redeemer is a central theme in the [[Old Testament]]. While human redeemers like [[Boaz]] played their part, [[God]] is described as the ultimate *go’el*, who redeems not only individuals but also the entire nation of [[Israel]]. > "I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth." ([Job 19:25](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+19.25&version={{AMP}}) NIV) In many places, the [[psalmists]] and [[Prophets]] use the language of [[Redemption]] to describe [[God’s deliverance]] of His people from distress, oppression, and even death ([Psalm 31:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psa+31.5&version={{AMP}}); [Jeremiah 50:34](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+50.34&version={{AMP}})). [[God’s redemption]] was often connected with His [[covenant faithfulness]] (חֶסֶד, *chesed*), demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people. #### Call to Action: - Reflect on how [[God]] has acted as your [[Redeemer]] in moments of distress or hardship, and thank Him for His ongoing faithfulness. ### [[Jesus]] as the [[Redeemer]] in the [[00.New Testament]] ([Mark 10:45](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10.45&version={{AMP}})) The [[00.New Testament]] applies the [[Old Testament]] concept of [[Redemption]] to [[Jesus Christ]], portraying His death on the cross as the ultimate ransom. [[Jesus]] Himself declared His mission as one of [[Redemption]]: > "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." ([Mark 10:45](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+10.45&version={{AMP}}) NIV) [[Jesus’ death]] on the cross fulfills the role of the *go’el* by paying the price to redeem humanity from the slavery of sin and death. In this way, the [[00.New Testament]] writers connect the ancient idea of kinsman-redeemer with the broader and deeper spiritual reality of [[Jesus’ saving work]].