Jubilee
Discovering Jubilee in Leviticus 25
Jubilee isn’t just some obscure biblical law—it’s a radical picture of God’s heart for restoration, mercy, and freedom. At Citizens Church, we’ve been going through a series called “The First Gospel,” and we’ve seen that the goodness of God isn’t reserved for the New Testament. It’s laced throughout the Old Testament, including the sometimes skipped-over book of Leviticus. But what does Jubilee actually mean for Christians today? Let’s outline what God is saying through this remarkable practice.
Background: Why Do We Need Jubilee? (Leviticus in Context)
God’s Desire: To dwell with His people—relationship, not just rules.
The Problem: Sin clutters our lives and relationships (see Exodus and Leviticus).
Leviticus Answer: God provides ways to bring us back into His presence and restore community.
The Role of Sacrifice and Atonement
Old Testament Sacrifices: Rituals to “clear the space” for God’s presence (see Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16).
Pointing to Jesus: The New Testament (Hebrews 9–10) teaches that Jesus becomes our ultimate sacrifice, bringing us eternal redemption and access to God.
Christian Takeaway: Forgiveness is the starting line, not the finish line of Christian life.
Christian Spiritual Growth: More Than ‘Sin Management’
Not Just Cycles: The goal isn’t a lifetime of “sin, confess, reset” loops.
God’s Intent: That Christians mature, reflecting Christ’s love and bearing real fruit.
Community Rhythms: Biblical feasts (like Sabbath, Passover, Firstfruits) remind us of who God is and who we are—just as Sunday worship, prayer, and Christian holidays do today.
What is Jubilee? The Radical Reset of Leviticus 25 Explained
The Three Pillars of Jubilee (Leviticus 25):
All debts are forgiven.
Lost land is returned to families.
Those in servitude are set free.
God’s Purpose: Show that with Him, there’s always a way back. Restoration is always possible—no one is permanently stuck in loss or bondage.
Jubilee and Social Justice
Re-balancing Society: Erased divisions between rich and poor, breaking cycles of generational poverty.
Grace for All: Restores dignity and provides a fresh start, regardless of why someone fell into debt or servitude.
Preview of the Gospel: A snapshot of how the Kingdom of God undoes injustice and welcomes everyone to the table.
Jubilee Fulfilled: Jesus and the Year of the Lord’s Favor
Luke 4: Jesus steps into a synagogue and declares He’s fulfilling “the year of the Lord’s favor” (Isaiah 61)—He is the true Jubilee.
What Did Jesus Do?
Cancels spiritual debts
Sets captives free
Restores our true purpose and identity
Era of Grace: Jesus stopped short of announcing judgment—declaring that now is a season of grace, mercy, and welcome for all.
Living Jubilee: What Christians Are Called To Do
1. Personal Freedom in Christ
Your spiritual chains are broken.
There is no condemnation; live free and restored.
2. Building a Community of Jubilee
Practice radical forgiveness—everyone is welcome.
Extend mercy to those who’ve wronged us.
Restore, don’t exile; approach correction with the goal of healing, not excluding.
3. Jubilee For Our World
Care for physical and spiritual needs—good news for the poor, freedom for the oppressed.
Champion justice, generosity, and restoration in our city and beyond.
The early church lived this out (see Acts 4: no needy persons among them).
Reflection Questions
Where have you experienced spiritual “debt” or bondage that Christ has set you free from?
How can you extend Jubilee—God’s mercy and restoration—to those around you this week?
Are there local needs (spiritual, relational, economic) you can join us in addressing as a community of Jubilee?
Takeaway: Jubilee Is Now!
Jubilee isn’t just an Old Testament law; it’s the operating system of the Kingdom of God, fulfilled in Jesus and alive in the Church. At Citizens Church, our dream is to be “Jubilee people”:
Living free and forgiven
Practicing radical inclusion and restoration
Announcing to our world: “The year of the Lord’s favor is now!”
Let’s live the Jubilee—together.
Want to talk more about spiritual freedom or how you can help bring practical Jubilee to others? Join us this Sunday or reach out directly—there’s a place for you in this story.
