​The Feast of Firstfruits

The Bible outlines seven major feasts given to Israel by God in Leviticus 23. These feasts were more than just religious observances—they were divine appointments that pointed to God's plan of redemption. Each feast carries deep spiritual significance, with many fulfilled in Jesus Christ, while others still point toward His second coming.

The seven feasts, outlined in Leviticus 23, are divided into two seasons—Spring and Fall. The Spring feasts (1-4) were fulfilled in Jesus' first coming. They were prophetic shadows of His death, burial, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Let's take a deep dive into the Feast of Firstfruits and see how this biblical feast points to God's redemptive plan. ​

The Feast of Firstfruits is a prophetic picture of Jesus' resurrection. It's one of the seven biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23 and carries deep prophetic significance, particularly in its fulfillment through Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The Bible speaks extensively about the Feast of Firstfruits, as it speaks to Jesus’ Resurrection. In 2025, the Feast of Firstfruits takes place on April 20 (Easter Sunday). Israel offered the first sheaf of the barley harvest to God as a sign of gratitude.

​"And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. And on the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb a year old without blemish as a burnt offering to the Lord. And the grain offering with it shall be two tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil, a food offering to the Lord with a pleasing aroma, and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, a fourth of a hin. And you shall eat neither bread nor grain parched or fresh until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings." Leviticus 23:9-14

Let's first look at how the Feast of Firstfruits is fulfilled in Christ and what the biblical foundations are. Jesus rose from the dead on this feast day, becoming the Firstfruits of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). His resurrection guarantees ours!

• In Leviticus 23:9-14, God commands Israel to bring the first sheaf of their harvest as an offering. "Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘When you come into the land that I give you and reap its harvest, you shall bring the sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest, and he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, so that you may be accepted…’” (Leviticus 23:10-11).
• Exodus 23:16, 19 emphasizes the principle of giving God the first and best. Often, we refer to this as tithing. “The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God” (Exodus 23:19).
• Deuteronomy 26:1-11 tells us that the firstfruits were offered in thanksgiving for God’s provision and as a recognition that everything belongs to Him. "...And you shall set it down before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in all the good that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the sojourner who is among you" (Deuteronomy 26:10-11).

There is much meaning and symbolism associated with the Feast of Firstfruits.

• The First of the Harvest Belongs to God – The Israelites were to dedicate the first part of their crops, acknowledging God as their provider.
• A Pledge of the Coming Harvest – Offering the firstfruits was a way of trusting that God would provide the rest of the harvest.
• A Picture of Resurrection – The timing of this feast was significant, as it pointed forward to Jesus’ resurrection.

The Feast of Firstfruits was fulfilled in Jesus' resurrection. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul directly connects Jesus to the Feast of Firstfruits. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep... For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).

Jesus rose on the Feast of Firstfruits. He was crucified on Passover, buried during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and resurrected on the very day of Firstfruits, demonstrating that He is the first of a great harvest—those who will rise in Him.

So what is the spiritual application for us as believers? 

• We Belong to God – Just as the Israelites dedicated their firstfruits, believers are called to give God the first and best of their lives (Romans 12:1).
• A Guarantee of Future Resurrection – Jesus’ resurrection is a promise that all believers will also be raised to eternal life.
• A Call to Trust in God’s Provision – Just as Israel trusted God for the full harvest, we trust in Christ for eternal life.

The Feast of Firstfruits is a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus’ resurrection and a reminder that, in Him, we have the promise of eternal life. Just as the firstfruits of the harvest were given to God in faith, we are called to give Him the first and best of our lives, knowing that He is our provider and the source of our hope.

How does the Feast of Firstfruits challenge you to trust God with the "first" and best of your life, just as He gave us His best through Jesus' resurrection?

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