Meanings of the Spring Feasts and their Fulfillment’s
Jesus was actually crucified on the Passover (John 19:14). His body would have been buried, and His holy and pure sacrifice acknowledged by God the Father during the Feast of Unleavened Bread following, and He would have risen from the dead on First Fruits. Additionally, the church was founded on the actual day of Pentecost.
For this reason, many speculate it would be consistent for God to gather His people to Himself at the rapture on the day of the feast of trumpets — on the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah. This can certainly be regarded as a possibility.
The beginning of months (Exodus 12:2)
Nisan is the first month of the religious calendar. If we apply this spiritually we see it as the beginning of the New Covenant in Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31–33; John 3:5–7; Romans 6:1–4; 2 Corinthians 5:17). As Passover is the first feast the Jews must observe, so we know that one must come to Christ first to be saved, otherwise His blood cannot remove their sin.
The lamb was hidden for four days (Exodus 12:3,6)
The Jews had to choose a lamb on the 10th day and set it aside until the 14th day of Nisan. This meant that it was on display as the sacrificial lamb until the time of its death. Passers-by saw it as the chosen lamb. These four days were literally fulfilled by Jesus during the last week (Passover week) of His earthly life. As the Lamb of God (John 1:29) He entered into the Temple at Jerusalem and was on public display for four days (Matthew 21:1–23; 24:1–3; 26:1–5). Thus He presented Himself as the Chosen Lamb.
A perfect lamb (Exodus 12:5)
The lamb chosen by each household had to be absolutely perfect. This meant that it had to go through a rigorous investigation to see if there was any blemish, no matter how small, on it. 1 Peter 1:18–20 describes Jesus as the unblemished Lamb. He also went through a series of investigations to determine if He was at fault at any point during Passover week:
a) He was examined by the chief priests and elders (Matthew 21:12)
b) He was examined by Pilate (Matthew 27:1–26)
c) He was examined by Herod (Luke 23:6–12)
d) He was examined by the High Priest Annas (John 18:13, 24)
e) He was examined by the High Priest Caiaphas (John 18:13–14, 19–24, 28)
No one in the religious and political world found any just cause to put Him to death. He was absolutely innocent, and is our Perfect Saviour. No wonder only His blood can atone for sin.
A lamb of the first year (Exodus 11:4–7; 12:5)
They had to choose a new lamb rather than one that had been around the block a few times. This firstborn lamb of the flock was set aside unto God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God (John 3:16). He was also the firstborn of Mary (Matthew 1:21–25). Other New Testament scriptures refer to Him as the Firstborn (Romans 8:29; Colossians 1:15, 18; Revelation 3:14).
