Topical Encyclopedia The anniversary feasts in the Jewish tradition were significant religious observances that commemorated key events in Israel's history. These feasts were not only times of remembrance and celebration but also served as prophetic symbols pointing to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry, Jesus attended several of these feasts, using them as opportunities to reveal His identity and mission.Passover (Pesach): The Passover feast commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as described in Exodus 12. It is one of the most significant feasts, marking the beginning of the Jewish religious calendar. Jesus' attendance at the Passover is well-documented in the Gospels. In John 2:13-25, Jesus cleanses the temple during Passover, demonstrating His authority over religious practices. The most profound connection between Jesus and Passover is His crucifixion, which occurred during this feast. As the Apostle Paul writes, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" (1 Corinthians 5:7), highlighting Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice. Feast of Unleavened Bread: Closely associated with Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread lasts seven days, during which the Israelites eat unleavened bread to remember their hasty departure from Egypt (Exodus 12:15-20). Jesus' burial coincides with this feast, symbolizing the sinless nature of His sacrifice, as leaven often represents sin in Scripture. Feast of Weeks (Shavuot or Pentecost): This feast occurs fifty days after Passover and celebrates the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 34:22). While the Gospels do not explicitly record Jesus attending this feast, its fulfillment is seen in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2. This event marks the birth of the Church and the new covenant, which Jesus inaugurated through His death and resurrection. Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): This feast commemorates the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and God's provision (Leviticus 23:33-43). Jesus attended the Feast of Tabernacles, as recorded in John 7. During this feast, He declared, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: 'Streams of living water will flow from within him'" (John 7:37-38). This proclamation highlights Jesus as the source of spiritual sustenance and fulfillment. Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah): Although not one of the original Mosaic feasts, the Feast of Dedication, or Hanukkah, commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple after its desecration by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Jesus attended this feast, as noted in John 10:22-23. During this time, He affirmed His divine identity, stating, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30), which led to a confrontation with the Jewish leaders. Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah): This feast marks the beginning of the civil year and is a time of reflection and repentance (Leviticus 23:23-25). While the Gospels do not specifically mention Jesus attending this feast, its themes of repentance and renewal resonate with His call to repentance and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur): The most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, the Day of Atonement involves fasting and repentance for the sins of the nation (Leviticus 16). Jesus' role as the ultimate High Priest and His atoning sacrifice on the cross fulfill the typology of this feast, as He provides eternal redemption for humanity. Through His participation in these feasts, Jesus not only honored the Jewish law but also revealed Himself as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. Each feast, with its unique rituals and symbolism, pointed to the redemptive work of Christ, who came to fulfill the law and offer salvation to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 5:1After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 7:10 Library The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City. From the Close of the General Conference of 1820 to the Beginning ... Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ... Resources What was the significance of the new moon in Bible times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Feast of Trumpets? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Feasts were Presided Over by a Master of Ceremonies Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Jesus Feasts: (Instituted by Moses) by Paul Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Aliens (Non-Jews) Were Permitted to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): All Males Were Required to Attend Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Appointed Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Attended by Women Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Designated As Solemn Feasts Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Divine Protection Given During Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): First and Last Days Were Sabbatic Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Holy Convocations Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Kept With Rejoicing Feasts: (Instituted by Moses): Set Feasts Feasts: Ancient Customs At: Men Alone Present At Feasts: Celebrations by Birthdays Feasts: Celebrations by Coronations Feasts: Celebrations by National Deliverances Feasts: Guests Arranged According to Age Feasts: Marriage Feasts Provided by the Bridegroom the Anniversary Feasts were a Time of Thankfulness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Christ Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Entertainments the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Illustrative of General Assembly of the Church the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Joy and Gladness the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Rendered Unavailing by the Impiety of the Jews the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of Sacrificing the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Jews Dispersed in Distant Parts often Attended the Anniversary Feasts were Seasons of The Ten Tribes Seduced by Jeroboam from Attending the Anniversary Feasts: All Males to Attend the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Appointed Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Feasts of the Lord the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Feasts the Anniversary Feasts: Called: Solemn Meetings the Anniversary Feasts: Children Commenced Attending, when Twelve Years Old the Anniversary Feasts: Enumerated the Anniversary Feasts: Females often Attended the Anniversary Feasts: Instituted by God the Anniversary Feasts: Offerings to Made At the Anniversary Feasts: The Dangers and Difficulties Encountered in Going up To, the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Attended Gladly the Anniversary Feasts: The Jews Went up To, in Large Companies the Anniversary Feasts: The Land Divinely Protected During The Feasts of Trumpets: A Holy Convocation and Rest The Feasts of Trumpets: A Memorial of Blowing of Trumpets The Feasts of Trumpets: Held the First Day of Seventh Month The Feasts of Trumpets: Sacrifices At Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |