by Admin | 30 June 2019 08:46 pm06
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/06/30/the-seven-jewish-feasts-what-do-they-reveal-to-us/
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