Understanding the Old Testament's Jewish feasts is crucial for comprehending how Jesus fulfilled them because these festivals, with their symbolic meanings and historical contexts, foreshadowed and pointed towards the Messiah's actions and the New Covenant.
First, they anticipated His coming. Then they were fulfilled in life and ministry. In fact, you cannot really comprehend what it means that Jesus is Messiah without knowing how the meanings of the feasts were fulfilled in Him. All the significant moments in His ministry were divinely structured around them.
Consider:
- Jesus’ death was pointedly timed to take place on Passover.
- Jesus’ burial was specifically timed to occur on the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
- His resurrection waited for the dawning of Firstfruits.