Experiencing the Resurrection—Passover, First Fruits, and the Perfect Lamb
- Apr 5
- 2 min read
There is a unique energy that fills the room during Chol HaMoed Pesach. As we gathered this Shabbat, still energized from our Passover seders, our time together was a beautiful reminder of the living, breathing reality of our faith. The table had become an altar, and through the bread and the wine, we saw Yeshua in all the symbolism.
Before diving into the Word, our congregation shared incredible testaments to God's active hand in our lives.
We celebrated with Dr. Deb, who prayed boldly for "macular regeneration" and saw a miraculous improvement in her eye health.
We rejoiced with Koki for God's physical protection during a terrifying storm.
We welcomed new life, as Haley thanked the community for carrying her through her pregnancy with prayer.
We witnessed God's provision for our congregation when an unexpected check for $5,890 arrived in the mail precisely when we needed it most.
The Ultimate First Fruits
Our teachings this week took us deep into the prophetic meaning of First Fruits. Dale Spence reminded us that Yeshua was inspected by the crowds and by Pilate, just as the Passover lamb had to be inspected for four days to ensure it was without blemish. Because He was the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, He was able to pay the sin debt of the first Adam.
Mark Hadawa brought us to Leviticus 23, exploring the priest's wave offering of the first harvest. He beautifully connected this Torah command to the ancient, enduring hope found in Job 19: "For I know my redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth". Yeshua is our First Fruits, ensuring that we too will share in the resurrection.
The Folded Napkin and the New Mercy Seat
Dr. Deb concluded our teachings with a powerful look at Mary Magdalene's experience at the empty tomb. When Mary looked inside, she saw two angels sitting where Yeshua’s body had been—one at the head and one at the foot.
"She saw the new mercy seat. The new mercy seat where God now meets man is through the resurrection of Yeshua HaMashiach."
Even more striking was the detail of the burial napkin that had covered Yeshua's face. It was not discarded; it was folded perfectly. In the first century, a master would crumple his napkin if he was finished at the table, but if he folded it, it meant he was coming back.
Yeshua's work on the cross is finished, but that folded napkin is a promise: He is coming back. Until then, we carry the same commission He gave His disciples. Let us go out and share the good news of the Gardener who restores our souls and the Lamb who gave us eternal life.
Comments