You asked

how do jesus' teachings on forgiveness or debt relate to this old testament law?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Deuteronomy 15:1-2

“At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. This is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he has lent to his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother, because Yahweh’s release has been proclaimed.”

This passage is part of Moses' address to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It lays out laws for their society, including regulations concerning debt and social welfare, ensuring fairness and preventing perpetual poverty within the community.

What systems or practices in our lives today might benefit from a regular, intentional release or re-evaluation?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Leviticus 25:8-10
Describes the Jubilee year, an even more extensive release of land and debt every 50 years.
Matthew 6:12
Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, 'forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,' linking financial and moral forgiveness.
Luke 4:18-19
Jesus quotes Isaiah, declaring his mission to 'proclaim release to the captives' and 'set at liberty those who are oppressed,' connecting spiritual and social liberation.

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