by James C. Whitman, Executive Director
Each of the pilgrimage feasts of Israel have an origination, an association and a destination. Together they proclaim and explain the Gospel of God (Mark 1:14, Rom. 1:1). In this article we'll explore those connections and identify how we can help make them for others.
For me, the acid test of whether we really grasp that which is truly profound is our ability to communicate it to a child. The Feasts are profound. They reveal God, explain His covenants, and proclaim His kingship.
PART ONE: ORIGINATION
Jesus, growing up in the Jewish world of the First Century, learned early that there is one Creator of all things. The eve of every Sabbath (Shabbat) would find the family of Joseph and Mary gathered around a table featuring two lamps. The first flame, kindled by Mary, proclaimed God as Creator.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalm 19:1
There are beautiful pictures bound up in the Hebrew word moadim. In Leviticus 23:2 we read, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, These are the appointed feasts of the LORD that you shall proclaim as holy convocations; they are my appointed feasts.” In most English translations it takes two words, appointed feasts, to explain moadim. This rich, multi-faceted term carries the idea of the King selecting special days on which he intends to assemble and meet with his subjects. Moadim are festive gatherings with the LORD, by His design and for His special purposes.
Now here’s something breathtaking … these unique meetings are so important that the Almighty built them into creation. The word for seasons in Genesis 1:14 is ... you guessed it, moadim. The divine dance of the sun, moon and stars herald the coming of appointment’s with God! Not surprisingly then, each of the three pilgrim feasts have an origination tied intimately to the created order of the world and the agricultural rhythms of ancient Israel. And each is a sign of the Father’s ongoing provision.
Passover (Pesach) is the barley harvest in early Spring.
Pentecost (Shavuot) is the wheat harvest in late Spring.
Tabernacles (Sukkot) is the grape harvest in the Autumn.
PART TWO: ASSOCIATION
"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Yahweh, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Jesus, growing up in the Jewish world of the First Century, learned early and often that this Creator God revealed His character and intent through deeds. The flame from the second lamp on that same Shabbat eve in the home of Joseph and Mary, represents the Creator as Redeemer. Redemption is the goal of covenant. Because God is faithful, salvation for every man, woman and child is possible. To be redeemed was to become a part of covenant history, to be God’s own people. That is why He is known as the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Our wonderful word moed (moadim, plural) guides us here as well. The next three uses after Genesis 1:14 are equally significant for us to understand how this biblical history is unfolding. I’ll simply quote the verses and bold the English words representing moed.
“But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year." Genesis 17:21
“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son." Genesis 18:14
“And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him." Genesis 21:2
The book of Genesis leads us to the introduction of Abram and Sarai in chapter 11. Why? Because they are the starting point of our covenant history (Genesis 12:1-3, 17:7). Each of these holy seasons portray God's saving involvement with people in time and space, beginning with the patriarchs. Below are the major events associated with the festivals. Each event is part of a historical narrative that tells one complete story.
Pesach: Deliverance from Egypt.
Shavuot: His Word given and received at Mt. Sinai.
Sukkot: Dwelling in the wilderness en route to the promised land.
PART THREE: DESTINATION
"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’" John 8:12
With the lighting of the Sabbath candles each week, the dual work of God as creator and covenanter would illuminate the biblical imagination of Jesus and his siblings around the family table. They were commanded to remember but that implied much more than a mental exercise. The challenge was to think and act, "The same God who was with our Fathers is with us now, to continue His redemptive purposes. In light of this, how should we live?" Imagine how these truths impacted Jesus as he interacted with the prevailing discussions of his day. The writings circulating during his time were full of anticipation that a prophet like Moses would be raised up to help deliver them from their enemies and reinvigorate their calling to be a light to the nations.
“The Jewish people of the first century, like all peoples, told themselves stories which encapsulated their worldview. One of the major differences between them and some other cultures, however, was that their controlling stories had to do with actual events in history: they were waiting for the last chapter in their story to begin. Jesus addressed that sense of expectation and aspiration, even though arguably he was redefining it.” (N.T. Wright, The New Testament and the People of God, pg. 149)
Each of our moadim have not only an origination and an association, they have a destination—Messiah Jesus. As with the previous associations, each of the major events below are part of a historical narrative that tells the story of a new exodus, a new creation, a new covenant.
Pesach: The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
Shavuot: The outpouring of the Spirit of Jesus.
Sukkot: The ongoing indwelling of Jesus in his people.
One can’t say for sure, but it seems the Hebrew concept of moadim lays behind Paul’s phrase in Galatians 4:4, “when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.” His Hebraic perspective gave him such an amazing framework by which to make covenant connections. As we study the festivals of the LORD we develop that same worldview.
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Want to study this subject in-depth? We recommend Redemption, Revelation, Celebration.
Take me back to the library. Or if you prefer, back to the topic Biblical Feasts.