The spring feasts of Israel came close together, from Passover to Pentecost. The New Testament shows that Jesus fulfilled each one, often on the very day of the feast.
Passover. In Egypt, God said, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). Each year Israel remembered that night. Families retold the story so their children would never forget it.
Our Passover. Paul wrote, “For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Jesus died at Passover time, the Lamb who saves us from sin.
No broken bones. The Passover lamb was not to have a bone broken (Exodus 12:46). John wrote that this was fulfilled at the cross: “Not one of His bones shall be broken” (John 19:36).
The Last Supper. Jesus said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15).
A new meaning. He took bread and said, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22:19).
Unleavened Bread. For seven days Israel ate bread without yeast (Leviticus 23:6). Paul says Christians should live “with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Corinthians 5:8).
Firstfruits. The first bundle of grain was waved before God “on the day after the Sabbath” (Leviticus 23:11). It promised that the rest of the harvest would follow. The first bundle was like a promise of everything still in the field.
Risen. Jesus rose “on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2). Paul wrote, “Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Many Christians also see a picture in the timing, because the sheaf was waved on that same day.
A promise for us. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). Jesus rose first, and all who belong to Him will rise too.
Pentecost. Fifty days were counted to the Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:16). “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come… they were all filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:1-4).
The harvest begins. “That day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). The wheat harvest feast became the start of a harvest of people.
What we learn. God planned Israel's calendar so that Jesus' death, resurrection and gift of the Spirit would line up with it.
What to do. This week, when you eat bread, thank Jesus that His body was given for you, and that He rose again.
The fall feasts came in the seventh month: Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Feast of Tabernacles. They also point to Jesus, and some point to what He will still do.
Trumpets. “In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a sabbath-rest, a memorial of blowing of trumpets” (Leviticus 23:24).
A trumpet to come. Paul wrote that “the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout… and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Many Christians see the Feast of Trumpets as a picture of that day, when Jesus comes back for His people.
Changed. “For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (1 Corinthians 15:52).
Atonement. Ten days later came the Day of Atonement, “to make atonement for you before the Lord your God” (Leviticus 23:28).
Once for all. Jesus entered the Most Holy Place “with His own blood… once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12).
Tabernacles. Five days later came the Feast of Tabernacles. “You shall dwell in booths for seven days” (Leviticus 23:42). The ICB calls them shelters.
Remembering. The booths reminded Israel that God cared for them while they lived in tents in the desert (Leviticus 23:43). For forty years God gave them food, water and guidance every day.
Rejoicing. “You shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days” (Leviticus 23:40). It was the happiest feast of the year.
Living water. At this feast Jesus “stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink’” (John 7:37).
The Spirit. John explains, “But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive” (John 7:39).
God with us. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus came to live with His people. He did not stay far away. He came close enough to touch.
Forever. One day, “the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them” (Revelation 21:3). God will live with His people forever.
What to do. This week, build a pretend shelter with a blanket. Sit in it and thank God that Jesus came to live with us.
Complete all sections to finish!
Read each section and answer the questions correctly.