Holy Days

Some believers understand, at least in a theoretical way, that the feasts provide excellent teaching for believers. Yet, because of certain popular theological positions, these believers question the value of continuing the celebrations today. Their contention is that these holy days are no longer relevant because Jesus fulfilled all their symbolism in his earthly life and ministry. While there is a fulfillment to the holy days, there is also a continuation of the practical expression of these feasts.

Yeshua himself observed the various feasts during his earthly life. The Gospel writers tell us that his custom was to worship on the Sabbath (Luke 4:16). It was during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) that Yeshua offered ‘living water’ to the Jewish multitude (John 7:37–39). One of his most powerful sermons, in which he proclaimed his Messiahship, took place in the Temple at Hanukkah (John 10:22–30). The earthly life and ministry of Messiah show the continuity of the biblical holy days.

This continuity did not suddenly cease with the apostolic generation that followed. Although there are several statements in the New Testament that cause us to think carefully about a proper balance concerning the holy days, there is clear indication that the early followers of Yeshua continued the practices.

It was at Shavuot/Pentecost that the first believers gathered for worship to proclaim the risen Messiah (Acts 2). In his discussion about the spiritual significance of Passover, Paul exhorts the Corinthian believers (a mixed group of Jews and Gentiles) to “celebrate the Seder” (1 Corinthians 5:8) with right understanding. There is abundant evidence that the disciples understood and continued to celebrate the wonderful truth of God through the holy days delineated in the Scriptures. This is an example for believers today. Much can be gained by continuing to observe the holy days in the present generation.

Barney Kasdan, God’s Appointed Times: A Practical Guide for Understanding and Celebrating the Biblical Holidays, 2nd ed. (Clarksville, MD: Messianic Jewish Publishers, 2007), viii–ix.