Why do some Christians say Jesus only fulfilled four of the seven Jewish Feast Days?
Introduction
The question, “Why do some Christians say Jesus only fulfilled four of the seven Jewish Feast Days?” invites an exploration of how the life, death, resurrection, and future return of Jesus Christ connect with the Jewish feast days outlined in the Old Testament. Some Christians believe that Jesus has fulfilled four of these feasts—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and Pentecost—while the remaining three—Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles—await fulfillment in the future. This view is grounded in the belief that the feasts serve as prophetic symbols pointing to both the first and second comings of Christ. We will explore this topic by examining the biblical narrative, relevant scriptures, and various interpretations to present a holistic understanding.
Narrative Context
The seven Jewish feast days, also known as moedim (appointed times), were established by God in the Torah (Leviticus 23) as sacred occasions for Israel to remember His works and to anticipate future acts of divine intervention. These feasts are divided into spring and fall seasons. The spring feasts include Passover (Pesach), Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot), Firstfruits (Bikkurim), and Pentecost (Shavuot). The fall feasts comprise Trumpets (Yom Teruah or Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Tabernacles (Sukkot).
The belief that Jesus fulfilled only the first four feasts is rooted in how these events in Jesus’ life align with the symbolism and timing of the spring feasts:
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- Passover represents Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). His crucifixion coincides with Passover, fulfilling the sacrifice of the lamb.
- Unleavened Bread signifies the sinless nature of Jesus and His burial.
- Firstfruits corresponds to Jesus’ resurrection, as He is the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
- Pentecost marks the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples, seen as the birth of the Church, fulfilling the promise of a new covenant community.
The remaining three feasts are yet to see a corresponding event in the life of Jesus. Many Christians believe these feasts symbolize future eschatological events, such as Jesus’ second coming, the final judgment, and the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.
Scriptural Foundations
Several key verses from the World English Bible (WEB) provide scriptural support for the belief that Jesus has fulfilled the first four feasts and will fulfill the remaining three in the future:
Leviticus 23:4-6: “These are the set feasts of Yahweh, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed season. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening, is Yahweh’s Passover. On the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread to Yahweh. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread.”
This passage establishes the Jewish feasts and their significance as “appointed times,” which some Christians interpret as prophetic indicators of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:7: “Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.”
Paul connects Jesus’ sacrifice to the Passover lamb, supporting the view that Jesus fulfilled the feast of Passover through His death.
Acts 2:1-4: “Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.”
The events of Pentecost (Shavuot) align with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, seen as a fulfillment of the feast in the New Testament.
Matthew 24:31: “He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.”
This verse is often associated with the Feast of Trumpets and the belief that it will be fulfilled at the second coming of Christ when the “great sound of a trumpet” heralds His return.
Perspectives from Others
Some interpretations suggest that Jesus has already fulfilled all seven feasts in a spiritual sense, arguing that each feast represents a facet of Jesus’ ministry and work. Others maintain that all feasts are yet to be fully realized in the believer’s life, pointing to an ongoing spiritual journey rather than discrete historical fulfillments.
However, the perspective that Jesus fulfilled only the first four feasts aligns more closely with a literal and chronological reading of biblical prophecy. This interpretation sees the feasts as types and shadows—some fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming and others to be fulfilled in His second coming. This view respects the biblical context of the feasts as physical events with prophetic significance.
Identifying Misunderstandings
A common misunderstanding is that by suggesting Jesus has not yet fulfilled the last three feasts, Christians imply that His work on the cross was incomplete. However, this view does not question the completeness of Jesus’ redemptive work for salvation; instead, it acknowledges that God’s redemptive plan also includes eschatological events yet to unfold.
Another misconception is that the Jewish feasts are no longer relevant to Christians. On the contrary, these feasts offer a deeper understanding of God’s plan and Jesus’ role in it. Understanding their prophetic significance helps believers anticipate and prepare for what God has planned for the future.
Relevance and Application for You
For modern Christians, understanding the feasts’ fulfillment helps in appreciating the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes God’s unchanging nature and His unfolding plan through history. Recognizing how Jesus fulfilled the spring feasts and the anticipation of the fall feasts encourages a posture of watchfulness, readiness, and hope for His return. Practically, it invites believers to reflect on their lives, aligning them with God’s purposes and seeking to love what He loves.
Encouragement and Conclusion
God’s redemptive plan, illustrated through the Jewish feasts, reveals His sovereignty, love, and faithfulness. While there is much to learn and understand, believers can be encouraged that God’s timing is perfect and His promises are sure. By studying the fulfillment of the Jewish feasts, we gain insight into the deeper layers of God’s Word, and we are encouraged to walk in faith and readiness, trusting in His love and looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His divine plan in Jesus Christ.
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