Leviticus: The Dead will Rise
John saw Jesus and said, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."
Key words
- Foreshadow: a past event that is a sign of a future event
The recent outbreak of violence was foreshadowed by isolated incidents in the city earlier this year.
- Commemorate: to show honor to the memory of an important person or event in a special way
The statue was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the poet's birthday.
- Repent: to be very sorry for something bad you did
The thief repented during his trial.
- Atone: to do something that shows you are sorry for something bad that you did or for something that you failed to do
He wanted her to publicly atone for what she did.
- Mediate: to talk to two separate people or groups involved in a disagreement to try to help them to agree or find a solution to their problems
Negotiators were called in to mediate between the two sides.
Read the article to find the answers
- What do Christians believe the Jewish feasts foreshadowed?
- How does the Passover relate to Jesus?
- What happened on the Feast of Pentecost?
- What do Christians believe the Feast of Tabernacles is?
Overview
Leviticus is in the middle of the Torah and lists the rules that the Israelites had to follow in order to be close to God. Among the rules designed to make them different and holy are the seven festivals or feasts. Christians believe that all of these feasts foreshadowed the life of Jesus.
The feast of Passover & the feast of Unleavened Bread
The Passover is closely associated with the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and is mentioned many times in the New Testament, especially in connection with Jesus's Last Supper.
Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
The feast of Firstfruits
When the Israelites entered Canaan and had their first harvest, they were instructed to give the first portion of it to the priest to express their gratitude to God. In the New Testament, the firstfruits relate to the resurrection of Jesus.
But now Christ is risen from the dead and has become the firstfruits ... For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
The feast of Pentecost
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after the beginning of the Passover holiday. It commemorates the giving of the Torah to the Israelites at Mount Sinai 50 days after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. In the New Testament, the Holy Ghost replaces the Torah.
On the day of Pentecost they were all together in one place when suddenly there came a sound from heaven. They were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak in other languages.
The feast of Trumpets
During this festival, trumpets are blown as a call to repent for ten days until the Day of Atonement. While the New Testament does not specifically mention the Feast of Trumpets, trumpets are blown to announce the Second Coming of Jesus.
... we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised ...
The Day of Atonement
After ten days of repenting and seeking God's forgiveness Jews waited for God's judgment as the High Priest mediated in the temple to atone for their sins. In the New Testament, Jesus is described as the high priest who mediates for His followers.
He is the mediator of the new testament, so that ... those who are called might receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.
The feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrates God's blessings. Jews celebrate the harvest in tabernacles, tents similar to the tents in which Jews traditionally marry. In the New Testament, the Wedding of the Lamb describes the union between Jesus, the Lamb sacrificed on Passover, and His followers, the Bride of Christ.
Rejoice ... the marriage of the Lamb has come ... Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Do you know the Bible passage quoted at the top of this article?
- Have you ever experienced any Jewish festivals?
- What are the most important festivals in your country?
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