The Significance of the Feasts of Israel
 The Significance of Passover
Summary
The Passover Feast was inaugurated to mark and remember Israel’s deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. God heard the cries of the people, and determined that it was time to do a creative, redemptive act, and bring the people unto Him.
And God spoke to Moses and said to him: "I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name LORD I was not known to them. 4 I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, in which they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore say to the children of Israel: 'I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (Exodus 6:2-7 NKJV)
A lamb without blemish was sacrificed, and its blood was washed over the doorposts of the home, marking the house “off limits” for the angel of death that struck the first-born of Egypt.
In a similar fashion, Messiah led a sinless life, and was crucified the same day the Passover was celebrated. He served as our permanent substitute for the lamb, justifying our standing before God and redeeming our life from the bondage of iniquity—our sinful tendencies.
Life Application Questions
Messiah taught us to pray, “May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 JNT)
In what areas do you need to see God’s redemption, or deliverance from a particular type of bondage?
This could be anything; an addiction, bad habit, besetting sin, form of oppression, state of mind, bad situation, etc. Take your case to God in prayer. Let God’s Ruach HaKodesh—the Holy Spirit lead you in His Word. Let it work in your heart. Receive the saving and sanctifying grace of Messiah’s deliverance in faith. Continue to talk to God about the issue.
As He helps you through, He will bring you to a level of peace and understanding. Messiah is your deliverer! The Holy Spirit is your teacher and source of real empowerment and life of liberty.
One final note: as it relates to eternal life, are you sure that you would be justified before God as righteous, and be eternally saved to everlasting life in heaven? I encourage you to read John 3:16-21 and Romans 10:6-10. Then read and meditate on John 14-16; and receive the prayer Messiah prayed for you in John 17.
Scripture References
Psalm 18; Exodus 12; Leviticus 23:1-5; Matthew 26:17-25; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 15-17; 29; 123-124
Sons and Servants: 11; 86
 The Significance of The Feast of Unleavened Bread
Summary
The Feast of Unleavened Bread begins the day after Passover, and is kept for seven days. Special care is taken to remove all leaven (yeast) from the house. God had a lot to say about the leaven: anyone eating any leaven would be cut off from the congregation of Israel (Exodus 12:15), whether a stranger or native; it shall not be seen among you (13:7); "You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leaven” (Exodus 34:25 NKJV). Even in the New Covenant, Messiah specifically exhorted the people several times to beware of the leaven of the religious leaders as well as Herod.
What is the issue with leaven? It is a fermenting substance; a turbulent form of bacterium that is permeating and pervasive in nature. It spreads like a cancer or virus, contaminating, polluting and corrupting what it touches. It therefore, is used as a metaphor for sin. As it spreads, it compromises and destroys what is good and otherwise pure.
Messiah fulfilled this celebration, being sinless. He was pure, filled with a full measure of the Holy Spirit, and demonstrated a lifestyle free from sin. He has once and for all fulfilled the requirement of this law. All in Messiah are not only justified before God, but sanctified (cleansed from sin) in His name.
So, why was this feast prescribed for seven days, whereas Passover is a single-day event? While we are redeemed by Messiah’s single sacrifice of His blood, we are to appropriate His sacrifice and pursue a life-long process of being continuously sanctified and purified (washed), growing into the measure of the stature of the fullness of Messiah. (Ephesians 4:13) This entails:
- Studying and meditating on God’s Word, allowing it to breathe life and change our attitudes and behaviors
- Engaging with God in prayer, receiving the Holy Spirit’s inward conviction, instruction and guidance
- Responding appropriately, turning from leaven-like influences, and changing our mindsets and motivations
This was what the apostle, Paul, also had in mind as he made the point of teaching the disciples to, “keep working out your deliverance with fear and trembling,? for God is the one working among you both the willing and the working for what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:12-13 JNT)
Life Application Questions
Do you genuinely feel clean before God? Are there ways you find yourself justifying your righteousness, or standing before God? Do you ever feel condemned by others, and/or the need to defend your works or self-worth to others?
If so, there may be some areas God wants to cleanse in your life. You can’t vindicate yourself and have peace. Only God can give you true peace. Allow the Holy Spirit—God’s Comforter—to minister God’s love and continue to accomplish Messiah’s cleansing work in you.
Are there known areas of sin in your life? Earnestly ask God to show them to you. He will be faithful to reveal to you—as your heart remains inclined toward Him, and is prepared to receive His truth in His love. For, with His love—which is unconditional—comes His mercy.
Embrace David’s prayer in Psalm 51:1-3.
Have mercy upon me, O God,
According to Your lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
Blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I acknowledge my transgressions,
And my sin is always before me.
Scripture References
Exodus 12:15-20; Leviticus 23:6-8; Psalm 24; 26:8-12; 119:1-40; Romans 3:21-5:20; Galatians 2:11-3:25; James 2:14-26; John 17:17-19; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 7:14; Hebrews 10:5-18; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8; Colossians 1:21-23
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 18-22; 57; 94; 98; 169
Sons and Servants: p. 71
 The Significance of The Feast of First Fruits
Summary
God instructed the children of Israel to celebrate First-fruits after coming into the Promised Land and reaping the benefits of its harvest. On the one hand, First-fruits marks a way to dedicate the harvest, or fruits of our efforts to God. It represents gratefulness to God, and provides for a special way to express devotion and loyalty to Him.
On this day, God also directed the children of Israel to begin counting 50 days to offering a new grain offering. This commemorates the 50 day journey from the deliverance of the bondage of Egypt to the receiving of God’s 10 Commandments and revelation of His covenant at Sanai. It serves to remind us that redemption was not truly complete until receiving God’s Torah—or instruction of His Word—His covenant. Taking the time to count each day and meditate on the reality of God prepares our heart and mind to truly receive fullness of truth and revelation of the knowledge of God.
Messiah lived as a man, taking on our human nature. He dedicated His life in devotion and obedience to the Father, saving ours from spiritual death. In His resurrection, He, therefore, became the first fruits of the human race to experience the resurrection of the new life.
Those born again in Messiah follow in His footsteps. We also celebrate this feast on an ongoing basis in faith as we dedicate our lives—our hearts and minds first—and service and duty to glorify God; and as a result, reap the fruits and benefits of His harvest.
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you express your gratefulness to Messiah for dedicating His life to save yours? In what ways do you allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in studying God’s Word and preparing your heart and mind to receive God’s truths?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23: 9-14; Proverbs 3:9; 1 Corinthians 15:20
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 21-22; 72
Sons and Servants: p. 23; 29; 83-84; 128; 137
 The Significance of The Feast of Pentecost
Summary
Shavuot—the Feast of Weeks or Harvest (Pentecost) is unique in that it has double significance:
- It marked the end of the barley harvest, and beginning of the wheat harvest—or “fullness” of the harvest;
- It marked the day the Torah, or covenant law was given to Moses.
Celebrated 50 days after Passover, this feast has special significance. This time served to link the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt to the giving of the Torah, or God’s covenant law. It, therefore, serves as a reminder that the redemption from bondage was not fully complete until God’s people had received the fullness of God’s covenant word and order, or law.
Since 50 also signifies a time of jubilee according to the covenant (legal cancellation of debts, indentured relationships and restoration of land), this feast represents the shadow of a special time of jubilee.
Following Messiah’s resurrection, the disciples had been spending time with one another in prayers and devotion. While they were celebrating this feast, a sound from the sky like the roar of a violent wind came and filled the whole house where they were. The disciples were “filled with the Spirit,” as recorded in Acts 2.
On Shavuot—Pentecost—their lives were transformed by the Holy Spirit! In their devotions and celebration, God’s Word connected with His Spirit and brought completion—or fullness—to the revelation of God’s covenant. It therefore, brought fulfillment to Isaiah’s prophecy expressing the fullness of God’s covenant.
(Isaiah 59:21)
Life Application Questions
In what ways do you celebrate—and express gratefulness—for the covenant gifts God has given you—His Word and Spirit?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:15-22; Exodus 23:16; 34:22; Exodus 19; Acts 2
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 22-24; 52; 58-59; 81; 101-103
Sons and Servants: p. 3; 11; 14; 24-26; 39-40; 44-46
 The Significance of The Feast of Trumpets
Summary
The primary purpose of the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah; Head of the Year) is to call us to prepare our hearts for the coming solemn Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It begins a period of reconciliation with God; specifically “Ten Days of Repentance” or “Days of Awe” which culminate in Yom Kippur.
The trumpet (ram’s horn, or shofar) was also used to alarm the people and prepare them for battle. It is therefore a day to arise in spiritual awakening.
In addition, trumpets were used to proclaim the entry of a king. Therefore, on this high holiday, we also proclaim God King of the Universe, and honor His kingship and authority over all creation.
John the Immerser—or Baptist—came immersing people in water to “prepare the way of the Lord.” Messiah, therefore, fulfilled this feast by coming as King of kings. In His resurrection, He conquered the power of evil and spiritual death by defeating the enemy of our souls, Satan, the devil and spiritual adversary.
Paul was diligent to remind the community of faith that we fight a very real spiritual battle, and to therefore, continue to “fight the good fight of the faith.” (1Timothy 6:12 JNT) We, therefore, continuously celebrate the inherent meaning of Trumpets as we allow the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts, confess revealed sins, and prepare our heart to wage spiritual warfare; fighting against temptations to sin, standing on God’s Word in faith, and receiving Messiah’s victory over the power of sin and death.
Life Application Questions
Our worship prepares the way for Messiah to minister to our heart through God’s Word and Holy Spirit. How do you prepare your heart to receive God’s truth and love? In what ways do you prepare your heart and mind for spiritual battles?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:23-25; Joel 2:1; Matthew 3:3
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 27-29; 178-179
Sons and Servants: p. 23-26; 33-37; 45-47; 71-75; 145-148
 The Significance of The Feast of Atonement
Summary
The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is celebrated as a day of confession to cleanse the soul from sin. “For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever.” (Leviticus 16:30-32 NKJV)
It was the one day of the year when the high priest would go into the tabernacle, behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, and sprinkle the blood of the covenant sacrifice over the Mercy Seat. From within the cloud of God’s glory over the ark, God would see the sacrificial blood as evidence of man’s atonement of sin; reversing His judgment, and transforming it to one of mercy.
Messiah came as our High Priest! His blood was poured out as a sacrifice forever reversing God’s judgment of sin for everyone who calls upon His name, believes in the heart, and receives His redemption.
But when the Messiah appeared as cohen gadol (high priest) of the good things that are happening already, then, through the greater and more perfect Tent which is not man-made (that is, it is not of this created world), 12 he entered the Holiest Place once and for all. And he entered not by means of the blood of goats and calves, but by means of his own blood, thus setting people free forever. 13 For if sprinkling ceremonially unclean persons with the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer restores their outward purity; 14 then how much more the blood of the Messiah, who, through the eternal Spirit, offered himself to God as a sacrifice without blemish, will purify our conscience from works that lead to death, so that we can serve the living God! 15 It is because of this death that he is mediator of a new covenant [or will]. Because a death has occurred which sets people free from the transgressions committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.
(Hebrews 9:11-15 JNT)
Life Application Questions
How do you apply God’s Word and prepare your heart to appropriate the victory over sin and death that Messiah has won for you?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:26-31; Psalm 51; Matthew 4:17; Acts 2:38; 3:19; Romans 5; Hebrews 2:14-3:6
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 29-30; 85-94; 178-80
Sons and Servants: p. 71-76; 105-109
 The Significance of The Feast of Tabernacles
Summary
The Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) is the most joyous feast celebration, lasting a whole week. It marks a time of rest, remembrance and reflection on God’s divine sovereignty and providence, His goodness and power. It is celebrated at the end of the harvest season.
The feast has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. Historically, it commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters, or booths. Agriculturally, it is a harvest festival, and is sometimes referred to as the Festival of Ingathering.
As the Pilgrims who came to America were looking for a way to express their gratitude towards God for their survival and for the harvest, it was this feast described in the Scriptures that inspired their celebration—what has become the American tradition of Thanksgiving.
Messiah satisfied the debt for our sins. He redeemed us from dead works. He lifted the burden of guilt and condemnation. He invited all who believe to be joined with Him, and receive His peace. “Come to me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.? 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew11:28-30 JNT)
Life Application Questions
How much rest time do you devote to remembering and reflecting upon all that Messiah has accomplished for you, and all the ways God has blessed you? In what ways do you apply Messiah’s yoke and truly rest in the Lord?
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:33-44; Psalm 63:6; 77:6-12; 119; Hebrews 3:7-4:13
Book References
Faith and Fables: p. 30-32; 52-53; 133-134
Sons and Servants: p. 9-10; 52-57; 99-104
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