The Feasts of the Lord: 7 Days Examining 7 Old Testament Feasts and How They Point to Jesus Christ
The Seven Feasts of the Lord and Their Fulfillment in Jesus
The seven biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23 hold deep prophetic significance and point to God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. These feasts were not only historical events for Israel but also foreshadowed key moments in the New Testament. Each feast finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, revealing Him as the center of God’s salvation plan.
1. Passover (Pesach) – The Sacrificial Lamb
Old Testament Meaning: Passover commemorates Israel's deliverance from Egypt when the blood of a lamb was applied to the doorposts, protecting the Israelites from the angel of death (Exodus 12:1-30).
New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus fulfilled Passover by becoming the true Passover Lamb. His crucifixion took place during Passover, and His blood, like the lamb's blood in Egypt, provides salvation and protection from eternal death (John 1:29, 1 Corinthians 5:7).
2. Feast of Unleavened Bread – The Sinless Savior
Old Testament Meaning: This feast followed Passover and lasted seven days, during which the Israelites ate unleavened bread to symbolize the removal of sin and their hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20).
New Testament Fulfillment: Leaven in the Bible represents sin, and Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:35), was without sin (1 Peter 2:22). His burial during the Feast of Unleavened Bread signifies the removal of sin through His sacrifice (Luke 23:53-54).
3. Feast of Firstfruits – The Resurrected Christ
Old Testament Meaning: The Feast of Firstfruits was a celebration of the first harvest, where the Israelites presented the first sheaf of grain as an offering to God (Leviticus 23:9-14).
New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus' resurrection occurred on the day of Firstfruits, making Him the firstfruits of those who will be raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection guarantees eternal life for all who believe in Him.
4. Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) – The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit
Old Testament Meaning: Also known as Shavuot, this feast occurred fifty days after Firstfruits and celebrated the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai (Leviticus 23:15-22).
New Testament Fulfillment: On Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, marking the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-4). This fulfilled the prophecy of a new covenant, where God's law would be written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:33).
5. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah) – The Return of Christ
Old Testament Meaning: This feast was marked by the blowing of trumpets, calling Israel to repentance and preparing for the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:23-25).
New Testament Fulfillment: The Feast of Trumpets symbolizes the future return of Jesus. The Bible describes His second coming with the sound of a trumpet, gathering His people to Himself (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). It serves as a reminder to be spiritually prepared.
6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – The High Priest’s Ultimate Sacrifice
Old Testament Meaning: This was the most solemn day of the year when the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of Israel (Leviticus 16:29-34).
New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus, as our High Priest, made the ultimate atonement for sin through His sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 9:11-12). Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, His atonement was once for all, providing eternal redemption for believers.
7. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) – God Dwelling with His People
Old Testament Meaning: This joyous feast celebrated God’s provision and presence as Israel dwelled in temporary shelters during their journey in the wilderness (Leviticus 23:33-43).
New Testament Fulfillment: Jesus fulfilled this feast by becoming Emmanuel, God with us (John 1:14, Matthew 1:23). Ultimately, the Feast of Tabernacles points to the future when God will dwell with His people forever in the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:3).
Conclusion
The seven feasts of the Lord are not just ancient traditions but divine appointments revealing God’s redemptive plan. Each feast finds its perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ, from His sacrifice to His resurrection, the birth of the Church, and His second coming. These feasts remind believers of God’s faithfulness and call us to live in expectation of His ultimate return, when He will reign eternally with His people. By understanding these feasts, we gain a deeper appreciation for how God orchestrated His plan of salvation through Jesus, uniting the Old and New Testaments in perfect harmony.
