Do you remember the story of Zacchaeus? The chief tax collector in Jericho was rich because he had taken more than he was entitled to. Then Jesus invited Himself to his house. “If I have cheated anyone out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus replied, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Zacchaeus didn’t pay to be saved. He paid because he was. This great story is the best example of the word “restitution,” which is at the heart of Exodus 22, particularly the verses we read today.
“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft. 4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.” (Exodus 22 v 3-4)
This was not only about the offender getting justice, but it was about the victim getting back what was lost.
Sin is never victimless, and repentance is never just a private feeling. A genuine change of heart may require practical and costly restitution.
The law went further. If the thief has nothing, he is sold to pay for his theft. The debt has to be paid, one way or another. Even in a bankrupt situation, the law will not pretend the wrong never happened. Someone has to bear the cost.
But if the thief is caught red-handed with the stolen animal, they must pay back double: two animals for one. The law demanded that the sinner make things right.
Now pause.
The gospel declares that it has been made right.
Every one of us has sinned. We could never pay it back, let alone double. So the One who owed nothing stepped in and paid everything. Christ did not merely cancel our debt; He bore the cost, and He gave back more than we ever lost.
He paid in full.
