The Story of Jesus
Season 1: Waiting for a Savior
Understanding the Biblical Festivals of Leviticus 23
The Feasts of the Lord: Understanding the biblical festivals that shaped worship during the time of Jesus.
Understanding the Biblical Festivals of Leviticus 23
These sacred celebrations are often called the Feasts of the Lord.
They are described in Leviticus 23 and became central to Jewish worship and life.
The feasts reminded God’s people of His faithfulness, provision, rescue, forgiveness, and promises.
During the time of Jesus, these festivals remained very important.
People traveled to Jerusalem to worship, celebrate, pray, and remember what God had done throughout their history.
Jesus Himself participated in many of these feasts and festivals.
Christians also believe these biblical celebrations help point toward Jesus Christ and His mission.
Some feasts connect closely to events surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Others point toward the future hope of Christ’s return and the coming Kingdom of God.
Understanding these feasts helps readers better understand the Bible, the world Jesus lived in, and the connection between the Old Testament and New Testament.
Scripture References
Leviticus 23:1–44
Exodus 12
Deuteronomy 16
Luke 22:7–20
John 7
John 10:22–30
1 Corinthians 5:7
What Are the Feasts of the Lord?
The feasts were sacred times set apart for worship and remembrance.
Some lasted one day.
Others lasted several days.
These celebrations included worship, prayer, Scripture reading, sacrifices, meals, gathering together, and rest from normal work.
The feasts reminded the people of God’s covenant, protection, forgiveness, and faithfulness.
Many also celebrated important harvest seasons throughout the year.
The biblical feasts helped shape the spiritual life and calendar of the Jewish people.
The Spring Feasts
Passover
Passover remembered how God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt during the time of Moses.
Families remembered the blood of the Passover lamb and God’s protection during the final plague in Egypt.
Christians believe Passover points toward Jesus as the Lamb of God who gave His life for the salvation of the world.
Unleavened Bread
This feast followed Passover.
During this time, the people removed leaven, or yeast, from their homes.
Leaven often symbolized sin or impurity.
Christians often connect this feast to the sinless life of Jesus and His burial after the crucifixion.
Firstfruits
Firstfruits celebrated the beginning of the harvest season.
The people offered the first portion of the harvest to God in gratitude and trust.
Christians believe this feast connects to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new life.
Pentecost
Pentecost took place fifty days after Firstfruits.
It celebrated harvest and thanksgiving.
In the New Testament, Pentecost became the day the Holy Spirit came upon the early Church in Acts 2.
This marked the beginning of the Church’s mission to spread the Gospel.
The Fall Feasts
Feast of Trumpets
Trumpets were blown as a call to gather, prepare, and remember God’s holiness.
Many Christians believe this feast points toward the future return of Christ.
Day of Atonement
The Day of Atonement was the most sacred day of repentance and forgiveness in the Jewish calendar.
The high priest entered the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.
Christians believe Jesus became the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.
Feast of Tabernacles
This feast remembered the years Israel spent in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.
The people lived in temporary shelters to remember God’s provision and guidance.
The feast also celebrated God dwelling among His people.
Christians often connect this feast to Jesus and the future Kingdom of God.
Feast of Dedication
The Feast of Dedication, also called Hanukkah, celebrated the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of defilement and conflict.
John 10 mentions Jesus attending this festival.
Though Hanukkah is not part of Leviticus 23, it became an important Jewish celebration during the time of Jesus.
Understanding the Story
Why Did God Give These Feasts?
The feasts helped God’s people remember His faithfulness, worship together, teach future generations, and celebrate important moments in their history.
Why Are the Feasts Important for Understanding Jesus?
Many important events in Jesus’ life happened during biblical festivals.
Understanding the feasts helps explain:
Jesus’ teachings,
Holy Week,
the Last Supper,
the cross,
the resurrection,
Pentecost,
and many events in the Gospels.
What Is Leviticus 23?
Leviticus 23 is the chapter where God describes the appointed feasts and sacred gatherings for His people.
Do Christians Celebrate These Feasts Today?
Some Christians study or observe the feasts as a way to better understand Scripture and Jesus’ ministry.
Others focus mainly on how the feasts point toward Christ and God’s plan of salvation.
Key Themes
God Wants His People to Remember
The feasts reminded people of God’s faithfulness throughout history.
Worship Connects Generations
The festivals helped teach children and future generations about God’s promises and mighty acts.
Jesus Fulfills God’s Promises
Christians believe the feasts point toward Jesus and His mission.
God’s Story Is Connected
The feasts connect the Old Testament, the life of Jesus, the Church, and future hope together.
Why This Lesson Matters
Understanding the Feasts of the Lord helps readers better understand both the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The feasts reveal important themes of salvation, sacrifice, worship, forgiveness, gratitude, hope, and restoration.
They also help readers see how Jesus fulfills God’s promises in powerful ways.
This lesson reminds believers that God’s story is connected from beginning to end.
Connecting to Jesus
Jesus participated in the feasts and festivals of Jewish worship.
Christians believe:
Passover points toward Christ’s sacrifice,
Firstfruits points toward His resurrection,
Pentecost connects to the coming of the Holy Spirit,
and the fall feasts point toward future hope and restoration.
The feasts help reveal God’s unfolding plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
Living the Message
The Feasts of the Lord remind believers to remember God’s faithfulness and worship with gratitude.
This week:
Spend time thanking God for His faithfulness throughout history and in your own life.
Read part of Leviticus 23 and notice how worship, remembrance, and hope are connected.
Reflect on ways Jesus fulfills God’s promises.
Pray for a deeper understanding of Scripture and the story of redemption.
Remember that worship involves both remembering the past and hoping for God’s future promises.
Reflection Questions
Why did God give His people special feasts and festivals?
Possible answers:
The feasts helped people remember God’s faithfulness, worship together, teach future generations, and celebrate God’s provision and promises.
How do the feasts connect to Jesus?
Possible answers:
Christians believe many of the feasts point toward Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and future hope.
Why is Passover important?
Possible answers:
Passover remembered God rescuing Israel from slavery in Egypt.
Christians also connect Passover to Jesus as the Lamb of God.
What does this lesson teach about worship and remembrance?
Possible answers:
Worship helps people remember God’s faithfulness and pass faith down to future generations.
How does this lesson connect the Old Testament and New Testament?
Possible answers:
The feasts help show how God’s promises and salvation plan continue throughout the entire Bible.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
God established sacred times of worship and remembrance for His people throughout Scripture.
Reasons We Believe
The biblical feasts help reveal God’s plan of redemption fulfilled through Jesus Christ.
Obedience in Action
Take time to remember and celebrate God’s faithfulness in your own life.
Walk It Out
Read Leviticus 23 this week and reflect on what the feasts reveal about worship, remembrance, and hope.
Continue Learning
Waiting for a Savior: 1.5 — The Jewish Calendar and Sacred Seasons
Waiting for a Savior: 1.3:Waiting for the Messiah
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Feasts and Festivals in the Time of Jesus
Waiting on a Savior: 1.2: The World Jesus Entered
The Feasts of the Lord reminded God’s people to remember the past, worship in the present, and hope for God’s future promises.
Christians believe these sacred celebrations ultimately point toward Jesus Christ and God’s plan of redemption.
Learn more about Christian discipleship and spiritual growth through worship, study, prayer, service, and daily faith at PGUM.org.
