THE FEASTS OF ISRAEL: PART FIVE

Although I have barely scratched the surface of the treasure of knowledge Christians can gather by studying the Feasts of Israel, I hope I have whet your appetite to continue mining.

PASSOVER - Jesus as the Lamb

Significance to Israel: A memorial feast celebrating Israel's protection from the LORD's judgment on the firstborn, the tenth plague that resulted in Egypt freeing them from bondage (Ex. 12:1-14; Lev. 23:4-5).
Significance to Christians: Jesus is our Passover Lamb (1 Cor. 5:7; Jn. 1:29, 36). His blood satisfies the God's requirement of death for our sin (Lev. 17:11; Rom. 3:25; 6:23; 1 Jn. 2:2; 4:10).

UNLEAVENED BREAD - Jesus as the Lamb

Significance to Israel: All leaven was to be avoided for the Passover and the week to follow (Ex. 12:15-20). Leaven was a symbol of sin and corruption and therefore an unholy thing (Lev. 6:17; 10:12; Hos. 7:4).
Significance to Christians: Leaven is a symbol of sin and corruption (Matt. 16:11-12; 1 Cor. 5:6-8).
The bread represents the Lord's body (Matt. 26:26; Jn. 6:35; 1 Cor. 10:16). Jesus did not sin (Heb. 4:15).
The Father would not allow His Son to see corruption (Ps. 16:10; Acts 2:27).

FIRST FRUITS - Jesus as the Lamb

Significance to Israel: The sheaths of grain represented new life from the ground in the "promised land" (Ex. 22:29-30). It was not to be baked into bread and eaten (Lev. 23:14).
Significance to Christians: It represents the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the ground (Matt. 12:40; 28:1; Jn. 11:25; 20:1-31). "But now is Christ risen from the dead, [and] become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20).

WAVE LOAVES (WEEKS, PENTECOST) - Jesus as our Mediator

Significance to Israel: Celebrated fifty days after the Feast of First Fruits, with two loaves of leavened bread (Lev. 23:15-22). Jewish theologians believe it is the day Moses brought the Law down from Mt. Sinai when three thousand rebellious Israelites died (Ex. 32:28).
Significance to Christians: It marks the day the Holy Spirit indwelt the disciples, and the birthday of the Church (Acts 2:1-4). It was on that same day that three thousand Israelites believed the Gospel message and received eternal life (Acts 2:41). To be continued tomorrow, Lord willing.