How does Leviticus 23:14 connect to Jesus as the firstfruits in 1 Corinthians 15:20? The Feast of Firstfruits: God’s Pattern of Promise Leviticus 23:9-14 introduces Israel’s Feast of Firstfruits, celebrated the day after the Sabbath that followed Passover. • A sheaf of the very first barley was cut, lifted (waved) before the LORD, and then burned on the altar with grain and drink offerings (vv. 10-13). • Leviticus 23:14: “You must not eat any bread or roasted or new grain until this very day, until you bring the offering to your God; this is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations, wherever you live.” • Israel waited to enjoy the harvest until God received the first portion. • The statute stood “throughout your generations,” signaling an ongoing, prophetic pattern. Leviticus 23:14—Key Truths • Priority: God receives the first and best before the people partake. • Acceptance: The whole harvest becomes acceptable only after the firstfruits offering is presented. • Timing: The offering occurs on the morrow after the Sabbath that follows Passover (v. 11), the exact morning on which Jesus rose centuries later. • Perpetuity: The ordinance carries forward, finding ultimate fulfillment in Messiah. Jesus the Firstfruits 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” Paul connects the historical feast with the literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus. Point-by-Point Connections • Sequence – Passover lamb slain → Jesus crucified (Exodus 12; John 19:14). – Sabbath rest → Jesus in the tomb. – Firstfruits morning → Jesus rises (Luke 24:1). • Representation – One sheaf represents the whole crop. – One Man represents all who belong to Him (Romans 5:18-19). • Acceptance – The priest waves the sheaf; God accepts it, and the people may eat. – The Father raises the Son; God accepts Him, and believers share His life (Romans 6:4). • Guarantee – Firstfruits assure a full harvest still in the field. – Christ’s resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of every saint (1 Corinthians 15:22-23). • Quality – The offering is perfect and unblemished. – Jesus is sinless, the spotless Lamb (1 Peter 1:19). • Perpetual statute – The feast looks forward until completely fulfilled. – Christ’s risen life is everlasting, never to be repeated (Hebrews 7:24-25). Supporting Passages • John 12:24—A grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, then bears much fruit. • Romans 8:23—Believers await “the redemption of our bodies,” pictured in firstfruits. • James 1:18—We are “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” • Revelation 14:4—The 144,000 are called “firstfruits to God and the Lamb.” Living in the Light of Firstfruits • Certainty of Resurrection: Christ’s empty tomb is God’s pledge that every believer will rise bodily. • Present Assurance: Because the firstfruits have been accepted, the harvest is secure, so daily hope rests on a finished reality. • Consecrated Life: Just as Israel waited to taste the harvest until God received His portion, believers gladly give God the first and best of time, talent, and treasure, confident that He supplies every need. |
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