In this message, Pastor Matt shares how the three key Old Testament festivals point to the work of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, and how they prepare us for mission in this life and the heavenly banquet in the next.
Introduction: Joy in the Old Testament
The Old Testament, for all its reputation of being rather dour and heavy-handed, is actually full of celebration. It contains several major festivals that the people of Israel were commanded to observe.
There are three primary feasts: the Passover (with the Feast of Unleavened Bread), the Feast of Weeks, and the Feast of Booths.
The Three Major Festivals
Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread
The Passover, along with the Feast of Unleavened Bread, commemorated the central event of Israel’s rescue from Egypt. God brought His people out by His mighty hand, sparing them through the blood of a lamb placed over their doorposts so that the destroying angel would pass over them.
They left Egypt in such haste that they had no time to let their bread rise. Each year, this event was remembered through this feast.
The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)
The Feast of Weeks was named because it occurred after seven weeks—seven times seven days, totaling 49 days—with the feast celebrated on the 50th day. The Greek name for this festival is Pentecost, meaning “fifty.”
This was a celebration of firstfruits—a kind of thanksgiving. The people would offer bread before the Lord as gratitude for His provision, particularly for the wheat harvest.
The Feast of Booths (Tabernacles)
The Feast of Booths (not “booze,” as tempting as that is to say) commemorated Israel’s time living in temporary shelters during their 40 years in the wilderness.
As they celebrated, they remembered both God’s provision during that wandering and His continued blessing in the land through the harvest of grapes and olives.
A Command to Rejoice
In all these festivals, the people were commanded to rejoice:
“For seven days you shall keep the feast to the Lord your God… so that you will be altogether joyful.”
God commanded joy. Yet, sadly, Israel had a very inconsistent record of actually celebrating these feasts. Even centuries later, during the reigns of Hezekiah and Josiah, it was said that Passover had not been properly observed for generations.
This reveals something important: God’s commands are for our good. He commands joy, celebration, and gathering—and yet people often neglect these gifts.
Where the Festivals Were Celebrated
The detailed instructions for these feasts are found in Leviticus and Numbers, but Deuteronomy emphasizes where they must be celebrated.
The people were not allowed to celebrate just anywhere. They had to go to the place where God chose to make His name dwell—ultimately, Jerusalem. This centralized worship was meant to unite them as one people under the one true God.
However, Israel frequently failed at both unity and faithfulness, dividing into nations and turning to false worship.
Why We Don’t Celebrate These Feasts Today
These feasts may sound appealing—after all, who doesn’t like a good celebration? But we do not observe them today for important reasons.
First, they required the temple in Jerusalem. After its destruction in AD 70, key elements—like sacrificing the Passover lamb—could no longer be carried out according to the law.
Second, and more importantly, these festivals point forward to something greater.
The Fulfillment in Christ
Passover → Christ’s Sacrifice
The Passover clearly points to Jesus Christ. A lamb is sacrificed, its blood brings deliverance, and the people are set free.
Christ is our Passover Lamb. As Paul writes, we now celebrate not with literal unleavened bread, but with sincerity and truth—removing sin from our lives.
Feast of Weeks → The Holy Spirit
The Feast of Weeks finds its fulfillment in Pentecost. Fifty days after Christ’s resurrection, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers—sons and daughters, young and old, servants and free.
The inclusiveness described in the Old Testament feast is mirrored in the outpouring of the Spirit.
Feast of Booths → God With Us
The Feast of Booths points to God’s presence with His people. In the wilderness, He provided bread from heaven and water from the rock.
Jesus declares Himself to be both—the true bread and the source of living water. Through Him, and by the Spirit, God dwells with His people continually.
The Present Age: Fasting, Not Feasting
Though there is joy in the Christian life, this present age is primarily marked by fasting rather than feasting.
As Jesus said, when the bridegroom is taken away, His people will fast. While He was on earth, there was celebration. Now, as He is in heaven, this is a time of mission, sacrifice, and perseverance.
The Mission of the Church
In the Old Testament, people traveled to Jerusalem. In the New Testament, the direction reverses.
From Jerusalem, the gospel goes outward—to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. While we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to go, to serve, and to proclaim.
God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.
The Future Feast
Though now is a time of fasting, a great feast is coming:
“Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
This future celebration will surpass anything in this world. Every joy we experience now is only a shadow of what is to come.
Living in Light of This Truth
1. Live by the Spirit
We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live holy lives, serve others, and glorify God.
2. Embrace the Mission
We are called to participate in God’s work, reaching those who are lost and forgotten.
3. Look Forward to the Feast
By fixing our hearts on the future joy promised by God, we can endure present hardships.
A Final Example: William Borden
William Borden, heir to a great fortune, dedicated his life and wealth to missions. Writing in his Bible “No reserves,” “No retreats,” and finally “No regrets,” he gave everything for the sake of the gospel.
Though he died at 25, his life was anchored in the promise of a greater feast to come.
Conclusion
The festivals of Deuteronomy point us to Christ. They remind us that now is a time of mission and sacrifice, but also that a glorious celebration awaits.
May we live with no reserves, no retreats, and no regrets—fixing our eyes on the joy set before us.