The Seven Jewish Feasts: What Do They Reveal to Us?
After the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt and entered the Promised Land, God commanded them to observe seven major feasts, called the “Feasts of the Lord,” which were to be celebrated throughout all generations. These feasts, described in Leviticus 23, hold deep prophetic meaning, especially for those who follow the New Covenant. Here is a clear explanation of each of the seven feasts and their significance, both for the Israelites and for us today.
1) The Feast of Passover (Pesach):
Passover, celebrated on the 14th of Nisan (usually March or April), marks the night when the Israelites were spared from the final plague in Egypt. They slaughtered a lamb, applied its blood to their doorframes, and ate it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, dressed and ready to leave. This event commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian slavery.
For Christians, Passover foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood was shed for our salvation. At the Last Supper, Jesus revealed He was the fulfillment of this feast as He broke the bread and shared the wine, symbolizing His body and blood. Just as the Israelites were saved from death through the lamb’s blood, Christians believe they are saved from eternal death through the sacrifice of Jesus.
2) The Feast of Unleavened Bread:
The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the day after Passover, lasting for seven days (from the 15th of Nisan). During this time, the Israelites were to remove all leaven (yeast) from their homes and eat unleavened bread, symbolizing purity and the need to be free from sin.
For Christians, the unleavened bread represents Jesus as the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Just as the Israelites ate unleavened bread during their exodus from Egypt, Christians are called to live holy lives, free from sin (symbolized by leaven), following the teachings of Jesus.
3) The Feast of Firstfruits:
This feast occurs on the Sunday following Passover, the day after the Sabbath, and is a celebration of the first harvest of the season. The Israelites were commanded to bring the first sheaf of grain to the priest as an offering to God, recognizing Him as the source of their provision.
For Christians, the Feast of Firstfruits is directly linked to the resurrection of Jesus, which happened on this very day (Matthew 28:1-10). Jesus is called the “Firstfruits” of those who have died (1 Corinthians 15:20). His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all believers, and just as the first portion of the harvest was offered to God, Christ’s resurrection represents the promise that believers, too, will rise again.
4) The Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost):
Shavuot, or Pentecost, occurs 50 days after Firstfruits, marking the end of the grain harvest. It also commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. For Christians, Pentecost is significant because it marks the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, empowering them to spread the Gospel (Acts 2). This was the beginning of the New Covenant, where God’s Spirit would dwell in believers.
Shavuot also symbolizes the harvest of souls. As the Israelites celebrated the completion of the grain harvest, Christians recognize this feast as a reminder of the harvest of souls and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing people to faith.
5) The Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah):
The Feast of Trumpets, celebrated on the 1st of Tishrei (usually September), marks the beginning of the Jewish civil year. It is a time of repentance and reflection, heralded by the blowing of the shofar (ram’s horn), calling the people to prepare for the upcoming High Holy Days, particularly Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
For Christians, the Feast of Trumpets points to the future event when Christ will return. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 speaks of a trumpet being sounded when Christ descends from heaven, and the faithful will be caught up to meet Him. This feast symbolizes the coming of Christ’s return, where God will gather His people in the final days.
6) The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur):
Yom Kippur, observed on the 10th of Tishrei, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, during which the high priest would offer sacrifices for the sins of the people to seek God’s forgiveness.
For Christians, Yom Kippur points to the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who, as the High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12). While the Israelites once sought forgiveness through the blood of animals, Christ’s sacrifice brought full and final forgiveness. Yom Kippur also foreshadows a time when Israel will recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and national reconciliation with God will occur.
7) The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot):
Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, begins on the 15th of Tishrei and lasts for seven days. During this feast, the Israelites lived in temporary shelters (sukkahs) to remember their time of wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt. It was a time of joy, celebrating God’s provision and protection.
For Christians, Sukkot points to the future millennial reign of Christ on earth, when He will dwell among His people in a time of peace and justice (Revelation 21:3, Zechariah 14:16-17). The feast symbolizes the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises, where He will permanently dwell with His people, and His kingdom will be established on earth.
The Significance of the Feasts Today:
For Christians, these seven feasts are not just historical events but prophetic symbols of God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Each feast corresponds to a key event in Christ’s life: His sacrifice (Passover), His resurrection (Firstfruits), the giving of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), His second coming (Trumpets), the atonement for sins (Yom Kippur), and His millennial reign (Tabernacles).
These feasts remind believers of God’s faithfulness and the hope we have in Christ. They also serve as a call to live in anticipation of Christ’s return. The Feast of Trumpets, in particular, signifies that Christ’s return is imminent, and all believers will be gathered to Him when the trumpet sounds.
In conclusion, the seven Jewish feasts are a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan, which has been fulfilled in Christ and will be fully realized when He returns. As believers, these feasts encourage us to understand and embrace God’s promises, living faithfully as we await the return of our Savior.
Why Did Jesus Call God “Aba”?
The term “Aba” first appears in the Bible in the words of Jesus. It is an Aramaic term that is translated as “Father”, but it carries a much more intimate and affectionate meaning than the formal term “Father” in many languages, including English. Aramaic was a language that Jesus frequently spoke, as it was the common language of the people in His time, alongside Hebrew and Greek.
Other famous Aramaic words and phrases from Jesus recorded in the Bible include “
Talitha kumi” (Mark 5:41), “Ephphatha” (Mark 7:34), and “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani” (Matthew 27:46).
The language of Aramaic, though closely related to Hebrew, had also absorbed influences from other ancient languages, including Babylonian, which makes it somewhat different from the more sacred Hebrew language.
The word “Aba” is deeply significant. It does indeed mean “Father”, but in a context that conveys deep intimacy and closeness—similar to how a child would call their father “Daddy” or “Papa”. In contrast, the word “Father” in English can feel more formal, distant, and authoritative. A child who calls their father “Daddy” shares a more affectionate, trust-based relationship, where they feel safe, loved, and able to approach their father freely with their needs, thoughts, and feelings.
Theological Significance of “Aba”
Jesus’ use of “Aba” reflects the nature of the relationship between Him and God the Father. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to as Father (see, for example, Malachi 2:10 and Isaiah 63:16), but the personal, intimate use of “Aba” was revolutionary. It indicates an unparalleled closeness and familiarity. No other Jewish person in Jesus’ time had referred to God in such a personal way.
When Jesus uses the term “Aba”, He is not just acknowledging God as His Father; He is also inviting us into this intimate relationship. This is a key element of the Gospel—through Jesus, we too can call God “Aba” as His children.
Jesus’ relationship with God the Father, as expressed through the term “Aba”, is foundational to understanding the doctrine of the Trinity and the concept of adoption in Christian theology. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, and He shares a unique, eternal relationship with God the Father (John 1:1-14). However, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus makes it possible for us to be adopted into God’s family as His sons and daughters.
John 1:12–13 (NIV)
“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”
This adoption is not something we can claim on our own. It is a gift from God, given to those who receive Jesus Christ by faith and accept His work of salvation. As believers, we are brought into the intimate family relationship with God, and we can call Him “Aba” because of the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Romans 8:15-17 (NIV)
“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, ‘Aba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”
This passage highlights the profound theological truth that, through the Holy Spirit, believers are adopted into God’s family. We are no longer slaves to fear but sons and daughters who can cry out “Aba, Father.” This is a privilege that believers in Christ have, which was made possible only through Jesus’ atoning work.
The Challenge of Calling God “Aba”
The idea of calling God “Aba” was so radical that it upset the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. For them, it was a form of blasphemy because they could not fathom God being that close to humans. To them, God was to be revered in His transcendence and holiness, not approached with the familiarity that “Aba” implies. That’s one reason they accused Jesus of blasphemy and plotted His death (John 5:18).
Even today, some religions struggle with the idea of calling God “Father” or “Aba”. For instance, in Islam, the belief is that God (Allah) is transcendent and does not have a son or any familial relationships with His creation. Calling God “Father” or “Aba” would be considered blasphemous in such a worldview.
However, Christianity teaches that this intimate relationship with God is made possible through Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has drawn near to humanity in a way that was unimaginable before. Jesus reveals that God is not just a distant deity but a Father who longs for His children to know Him deeply and personally.
Galatians 4:6–7 (NIV)
“Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Aba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are His child, God has made you also an heir.”
The Power of Adoption
Through the sacrifice of Jesus, believers are not only forgiven but also adopted into God’s family. This adoption grants us the full rights and privileges of children. We become heirs of God, co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This adoption is an unearned grace, a divine act of love and mercy. As children of God, we have access to Him in a way that is profoundly personal and intimate. The Spirit within us confirms our status as His children, and we are empowered to call God “Aba.”
Living as Children of Aba
Being a child of God means we have confidence in our relationship with Him. When we cry out “Aba, Father”, we are expressing not only our dependence on God but also our trust in His goodness, love, and faithfulness. This relationship is foundational to Christian living, and it should shape the way we approach God in prayer, in worship, and in everyday life.
Ephesians 1:5-6 (NIV)
“He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”
Through Jesus, we have been adopted into God’s family. This adoption is an act of grace—something we don’t deserve, but that God freely gives to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
If you are a Christian, you have the incredible privilege of calling God “Aba.” This relationship isn’t just about having a distant, formal Father; it’s about having a personal, intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe. Jesus made this possible through His life, death, and resurrection. If you haven’t yet experienced this closeness with God, now is the time to repent, believe in Jesus, and accept the Holy Spirit’s work in your life.
1 John 1:12 (NIV)
“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
If you haven’t yet received Jesus, take this step today. Be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the Holy Spirit. Once you do, you will be able to call God “Aba” with the confidence of a beloved child.
May the Lord bless you.
Behold, I Stand at the Door
Revelation 3:20 – NKJV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
— Revelation 3:20, NKJV
Blessed be the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Welcome to this time of reflection on God’s Word.
1. The Exclusivity of Christ as the Way to Life
The Bible teaches that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus Christ. He is not one of many ways to God—He is the only way.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
— Acts 4:12, NKJV
As the Apostle Paul reminds us:
“For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous.”
— Romans 5:19, NKJV
Through Adam came sin and death; through Christ comes righteousness and life. Jesus Himself declared:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
— John 14:6, NKJV
Any path outside of Christ—no matter how morally appealing or widely accepted—is a path of deception and eternal loss.
2. Jesus Uses Parables to Reveal God’s Kingdom
Throughout His ministry, Jesus used everyday imagery—trees, seeds, farmers, merchants, kings—to teach profound spiritual truths:
“All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables… that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’”
— Matthew 13:34–35, NKJV
John concludes his Gospel by reminding us that much of what Jesus did was never recorded:
“And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books…”
— John 21:25, NKJV
One of the most intimate images He gives is that of knocking at the door of our hearts in Revelation 3:20, addressing the lukewarm church of Laodicea.
3. The Nature of Christ’s Invitation
When Jesus says “I stand at the door and knock,” He is expressing a personal and persistent call. This is not the Second Coming, which will be sudden and unannounced, like a thief in the night (Matthew 24:43–44). Rather, this is His daily approach to our individual hearts, desiring fellowship.
The language implies evening time—a spiritual metaphor for the last hour, the final opportunity before night falls:
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness…”
— Romans 13:12, NKJV
The supper He refers to (Revelation 3:20) echoes the Lord’s Supper, a symbol of communion and shared life. He brings spiritual nourishment—His Word, His Spirit, His peace. We, in return, offer Him our surrendered lives.
“Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.”
— Luke 12:37, NKJV
4. Responding to His Knock
Christ does not force entry. He knocks. He waits. He speaks. But the door must be opened from the inside. This illustrates free will and personal responsibility in salvation:
“Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…”
— Hebrews 3:15, NKJV
Some will not hear because they are spiritually asleep, distracted by the noise of the world (1 Thessalonians 5:6). Others hear but deliberately ignore Him.
Jesus warns that if we reject Him knowingly and repeatedly, He may eventually stop knocking. This echoes His rebuke to Jerusalem:
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… How often I wanted to gather your children together… but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
— Matthew 23:37–39, NKJV
This is one of the most sobering statements in Scripture: “You shall see Me no more.” The finality of divine rejection is terrifying.
5. The Danger of Delay
Many assume they’ll respond to God “later”—in old age, or after they’ve enjoyed the pleasures of the world. But Scripture warns that we do not control tomorrow:
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
— Proverbs 27:1, NKJV
The longer we delay, the more hardened our hearts can become (Hebrews 3:13). The very ability to hear His voice is grace—and that grace doesn’t last forever.
6. Open the Door While You Still Can
If today you feel a stirring in your heart, that’s not coincidence—it’s the Spirit of God knocking. Don’t ignore it. Repent, believe, and surrender your life to Jesus.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”
— Isaiah 55:6, NKJV
Open the door. He will not condemn you for taking long. He will come in, dine with you, restore you, and fill you with peace and purpose. He brings blessings for both body and soul, and a new hope for this life and eternity.
But if you continue to ignore Him, the next time He comes may be not as a guest—but as a thief in the night, to take His own and leave the rest to face judgment.
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.”
— Matthew 24:42, NKJV
Conclusion: The Choice Is Yours
Jesus is at the door. He is knocking. Not with force, but with love. With patience, but also urgency. Will you open your heart today?
“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:2, NKJV
Respond now. Invite Him in. Let Him change your life.
FIND SALVATION TODAY.
LOOK TO HIM WHOM THEY PIERCED
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, by God’s grace, we have another opportunity to reflect on His Word and the blessings He has prepared for us.
Let us begin by reading from Zechariah 12:9-14, where the prophet speaks of a future time:
“On that day I will set out to destroy all the nations that attack Jerusalem. And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child…”
This prophecy speaks about the Jewish people—the Israelites. Israel is a small nation, barely the size of a regional county, and doesn’t seem remarkable in terms of natural wonders or resources. Yet, it remains the center of global attention—why?
Despite being spiritually distant from God today, the Jewish people are intellectually gifted and extraordinarily successful worldwide. Now imagine: if they are already achieving so much while disconnected from God, what will happen when they return to Him?
The Bible promises that one day, God’s Spirit of grace will be poured out upon Israel. On that day, they will finally recognize Jesus—the one they rejected and pierced over 2,000 years ago—as their true Messiah. They will weep deeply in repentance, realizing that the very one they crucified is the Savior they had long awaited.
This moment marks a turning point, and it fulfills the prophecy written by Apostle Paul in Romans 11:25-27:
“I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.’”
In other words, Israel’s spiritual blindness was allowed for a purpose—so that salvation could come to the Gentiles. We, the nations, have been living in this period of grace. But this season won’t last forever.
Once the time for the Gentiles is fulfilled, grace will return to Israel. And with that transition, the Rapture—the great catching away of believers—will follow.
Currently, Jews are still crying out at the Western Wall (the Wailing Wall) in Jerusalem, praying to the God of their fathers to send the Messiah and save them from their enemies. The day is coming when those prayers will be answered—when their spiritual eyes are opened and they finally see Jesus for who He truly is.
It’s important to understand: God deliberately allowed Israel to be spiritually blinded so that the Gospel could reach us, the Gentiles. Without that, we might still be bound in idol worship, witchcraft, and spiritual darkness. But through Christ, we were shown mercy.
When the disciples asked Jesus if He would restore the kingdom to Israel after His resurrection, He responded that it wasn’t for them to know the time or season (Acts 1:6-7). This meant that a time will come when God will restore Israel fully—and that time is drawing near.
When it happens, the world will witness God’s mighty defense of Israel once again. Nations will unite against Jerusalem in the final battle—the Battle of Armageddon—but God will rise and fight for His people.
Zechariah 14 describes that day vividly:
“Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights on a day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him.”
So while it’s easy to be amazed at Israel’s progress today, the real message is this: Time is short. Grace is shifting.
Look at the state of Christianity worldwide. Nations that once sent missionaries are now turning away from faith. This is a sign: the age of grace for the Gentiles is closing, and God’s attention is turning back to Israel.
Eventually, all nations—including ours—will oppose Israel and align with the Antichrist. As Zechariah 12:3 warns:
“On that day, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves…”
That’s not a time to wish for. Why wait until those terrible days come upon us suddenly?
Now is the time to act. The grace of God is still available—especially here in Africa. Don’t let it pass you by. Accept Jesus into your life and let Him cleanse and prepare you for His return.
May the Lord bless you and keep you ready.
