Rhythms of Grace

Last Sunday we looked together at Leviticus 23 and saw how Jesus gave Israel a series of national holidays to spare them from the dangers of synchronising with the surrounding cultures.

As we went through the various feasts listed, we saw how they truly are all about Jesus.

-Passover: Jesus is the Lamb who took our judgement

-Unleavened Bread: Jesus has redeemed us from Satan, sin, self and death

-Firstfruits: Jesus is risen (and so will we!)

-Pentecost: Jesus has given us his Spirit

-Trumpets: Jesus will come again

-Day of Atonement: Jesus is our High Priest, True Sacrifice, Scapegoat and Bringer of Rest

-Booths: Jesus has made a home for us

Below are some questions (stolen unashamedly and with gratitude from the excellent ‘Christ-Centered Exposition’, exalting Jesus in Leviticus’ by Allan Moseley). They may serve you as you reflect more on the passage alone or with your Gospel Community.

1. In the old covenant period, what messages did God’s sacred calendar communicate?

2. What principles from Israel’s celebrations can you apply to your life?

3. Why should we learn about festivals that we no longer celebrate?

4. Gordon Wenham wrote, “Nowhere is the continuity between the testaments so clear as in the calendar.” What might he have meant by this?

5. On what day did God arrange for Jesus to be crucified? What is the significance of this?

6. What festival was celebrated on the day Jesus was resurrected? Why is this important?

7. What harvest did God give on the Pentecost after the death and resurrection of Jesus (cf 1 Corinthians 15: 20)?

8. What does the Festival of Trumpets foreshadow?

9. How should we live differently in light of God’s revealed truth in Leviticus 23?

10. Do you order your life and plan your days according to the truth of God’s word?