FirstFruits: The Connection to the Passover Lamb, the Sinless Sacrifice and the Resurrection of Jesus on the THIRD Day
The Scriptural connection between Firstfruits, the resurrection of Jesus and the 3rd day is a chief Biblical theme representing the beginning of a "new creation".
Many of you reading this may be knocked off-balance with this next statement, while a great many of you are probably nodding your heads in agreement.
Do I have your attention?
If you have taken the time to read through the word of GOD, you would have probably tried to speed up through the (5) Books of the Law (Words of GOD to Moses). I encourage you to slow down and enjoy the Truth of the details and imagery of the Lord in every single Feast. It IS there!
NOTE: You, me and no other human would have access to the (27) Books of the flesh-life of Jesus, and the additional Testaments for His life, and those who followed Him—if it was not for the first (39) Books that built the house that we spiritually live in.
This may rip off the bandage for some of you.Yeshua's resurrection on the third day is seen as the fulfillment of the Feast of Firstfruits (Leviticus 23:10), where the first of that harvest was offered to GOD to sanctify the rest of the crop.
Paul clearly and obviously identifies Jesus as the "First fruits of those who have fallen asleep" – 1 Corinthians 15:20
Just as a single sheaf of grain was waved before GOD to represent the ENTIRE coming harvest, Yeshua’s resurrection is the guarantee that all who belong to Him will also be raised. This is a pattern seen in the “Harvest.”
This same Jesus was crucified on Passover (the 14th of Nisan), remained in the grave during the first day of Unleavened Bread, and rose on the Feast of Firstfruits (Biblical record of the 17th of Nisan), which falls "on the day after the Sabbath" [first day of Unleavened Bread]. This is Biblical. You can’t make this timing up.
I can’t say with confidence that “we all know” this next statement, but I will inform whoever is reading this, the Bible uses the "third day" as a recurring design model for His intervention and the transition from death or chaos to new life. The Word of GOD provides many examples “three or third day(s)” was used to make a point for restoration, a new life or renewal. It does not take much work to see and mark the Truth details in Scripture, but it CERTAINLY DOES take time to locate contextual accuracies there.
…for instance:
Look at what the Book of Genesis has recorded. “…on the third day of creation, GOD Himself brought forth dry land and the first signs of life: plants and seed-bearing fruit were sprung up out of the watery chaos — Genesis 1:11–13
This next one was likely repeated during your Vacation Bible School lessons when you were a tike. It is another Genesis address. Abraham traveled for three days to Mount Moriah to sacrifice Isaac. On the third day, Isaac was "received back" from certain death, a figurative resurrection – see both Genesis 22:4 & Hebrews 11:19
Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish before being "resurrected" to dry land. Yeshua specifically called this the "sign of Jonah" pointing to His own burial — Jonah 1:17
The Book written comparing Hosea the prophet and Gomer as Israel and the Father, as the Husband is sadly compelling. The prophet Hosea clearly links the third day to the restoration of the nation (marriage). "After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will raise us up, that we may live before Him" – Hosea 6:2
GOD instructed the newly liberated Tribes of Jacob’s family (and the nations that departed with them) to prepare for three days because He would descend on Mount Sinai on the third day to establish His Covenant with them – Exodus 19:11
Who can forget the heroic and faithful decisions of Esther, the then queen of Persia? (Iran back then). After a three-day fast, Queen Esther appeared before the king on the third day, moving her people from a sentence of death to new life and victory. – Esther 5:1
If we are corrupted in our belief system that offerings are bad and/or done away with, I encourage you to rethink this position. No, we are not killing (offering) animals or taking grain or food to the Temple any longer [mainly because there isn’t one standing].
However, those acts of faithful obedience were not only physical requirements set in place by the GOD King, but they also hold VERY SYMBOLIC actions for those who believe today. We are all to be living “sacrifices” to be submitted to the LORD for forgiveness, etc.
NOTE: Please take a fresh look at the Scriptures and learn how these offerings relate and still relay the means of how we should approach one another and Him in a spiritual sense.
As we continue the journey of learning about the Firstfruits Feast in Deuteronomy 26–29:9, we see where the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, when you enter the land which I am going to give to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring in the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priest" – Lev 23:9-14
Here is another reference to the acts of the first fruits: "The first of all the first fruits of every kind and every contribution of every kind, from all your contributions, shall be for the priests; you shall also give to the priest the first of your dough to cause a blessing to rest on your house" – Ezek 44:50
“…but Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep..." – 1 Cor 15:20-21
NOTE: When Paul said, “Christ was the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20-28), he was using jargon and pictures heavy in history and meaning [this is a direct reference to the resurrection, and hope for the His reign in the New Jerusalem]
“The firstfruits” is a common expression found in all of Scripture's Testament. It is used with both literal and figurative meanings. See also John 20:3-9
The types and meaning of firstfruits covering aboutfive kinds of firstfruits can be identified in GOD’s Word. The firstfruits were the first portion of the harvest, offered to YHVH (GOD) as holy. This act sanctified the entire crop and acknowledged that all provision belongs to GOD.
Type 1: The one sheaf (of wheat--Jesus) represents the entire coming harvest.
Type 2: What is accepted first (Jesus) guarantees the remainder. (Jesus)
This agricultural pattern is the root model GOD repeatedly uses later in redemptive history. All of Israel is an agrarian nation. …always has been.
The FIRST Harvest (firstfruits) type: In the TANAKH GOD (YHVH) Commanded His people to give the first and best portions of the harvest as an offering to Him – Ex 23:16 & Neh 10:35
These offerings included:
grain (Ex. 23:16 & 34:22)
new wine & olive oil (Num. 18:12 & Deut. 18:4)
honey (2 Chr 31:5)
sheep wool (Deut. 18:4)
fruit (Neh 10:35)
even their herds and flocks (Deut. 15:19)
By giving the firstfruits as an offering to the LORD GOD, the Israelites acknowledged that all the harvest—in fact, EVERYTHING they have comes from Him and belonged to Him.
The offering of firstfruits was likewise an expression of faith that something else—the harvest of the rest of the crop—would come later (greater harvest).
NOTE: This is a prophetic reference to the latter days when the nations will join the returning (10) tribes (Diaspora) along with the nations who have submitted to the Son of GOD.
Therefore, the firstfruits offering acknowledged then, and still does, accepts GOD’s ownership of everything, expressed thankfulness for His provision, and anticipated what was to come.
Firstfruits were given at the Feast of Harvest (Ex. 23:16), the second of THREE annual Festivals (Passover, Shavuot and Tabernacles).
NOTE: Shavuot marks the Wheat Harvest in the Land of Israel (Exodus 34:22). It also commemorates the anniversary of the giving of the Word of GOD (Torah) to the Children of Israel at Mount Sinai, and the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 (Day 50). This feast is also known as the Feast of Weeks or Pentecost (also see Num 28:26). It was normally celebrated for seven complete weeks (tracked by counting omers (sheaves), for fifty days after the Passover (Lev 23:16).
NOTE: In the Diaspora (scattering or displacement of the Northern Tribes of Israel) it is known simply as Pentecost.
The SECOND(firstfruits) type is ISRAEL. In a symbolic use (shadow) of the term, Jeremiah called Israel the firstfruits of GOD’s harvest. “Israel was holy to the LORD GOD, the firstfruits of His harvest” (Jer. 2:3). Just as the first and choicest crops were devoted to Him, Israel was the LORD’s chosen and set apart people. The fact that Israel was His firstfruits, also anticipated other peoples and nations (Abraham's Goyim) coming to ADONAI (the Lord), His Son.
The THIRD(firstfruits) type is the grouping of BELIEVERS. In Romans 16:5 and 1 Corinthians 16:15, the first of the transformed (firstfruits) of a particular area were called “the firstfruits.”
The Book of James uses the firstfruits term with reference to believers: “By His choice, He gave us birth by the Word of Truth, so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” – James 1:18
The NEW birth we have experienced is only a preview of the day to come when our LORD GOD will make all things new in a new heaven and a new earth.
The FOURTH(Firstfruits) type is listed as the HOLY SPIRIT. Paul said we “have the Spirit as the firstfruits” – Rom 8:23
The Holy Spirit is a foretaste, the First Installment of our future glory. He is the LORD GOD’s pledge of more to come in our resurrection life.
The FIFTH (Firstfruits) type is listed as YESHUA (Jesus). When Paul said Yeshua is “the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” 1 Cor 15:20, he was drawing a relational equivalence between the Law’s (Torah’s) offering (initial) and Yeshua’s resurrection. As the Torah's firstfruits symbolized and consecrated the entire harvest that was to follow, Christ’s resurrection was the preview of the resurrection of ALL believers yet to come. His resurrection (Firstfruits) is our assurance that one day (“an expected greater harvest is yet to come”) all believers will be raised from the dead and will receive new, resurrected bodies.
“Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting?” – 1 Cor. 15:55
If you have not noticed, or made the connection by now, Yeshua, also known as Jesus, is referred to as the "Firstfruits” – primarily in the context of his resurrection on the third day. This is where I remind you, the reader, that the Feast of firstfruits is celebrated three days after the Passover lamb was killed in the TANAKH (Torah-Malachi), AND in the Brit Chadashah (Renewed Testament). He (Jesus) was raised. This signifies that His resurrection is the initial and foundational instance of those who will be resurrected to eternal life.
1. (day 1) Jesus, Passover Lamb killed (Bible: Nisan 14 – between the evenings at twilight). Jesus is crucified and dies on Passover, fulfilling the Passover‑lamb type.
2. (day 2) Unleavened Bread is in the tomb (High Sabbath). Sinless Jesus remains in the tomb (Nisan 15). This day represents the removal of sin (leaven) and separation for GOD’s purpose.
3. (day 3) Firstfruits celebrated Jesus. The Lamb of GOD is resurrected (Bible: Nisan 17). The Feast of Firstfruits occurs on “the day after the Festival Sabbath” during Unleavened Bread. Jesus rises from the dead on Firstfruits.
NOTE: That’s Three Days. All resurrection‑related events in Scripture are anchored to Passover season and the Feasts of the LORD, not to a separate holiday.
NOTEWORTHY Detail: Easter connection? Not in the least. There are the only Biblically defined Appointments connected to the death, burial, and resurrection of our Messiah.
NOTE: Not every Feast/Festival is a High Holy Day. The Bible is specific which are though (Holy convocations). However, everyweekly Sabbath (Saturday) IS a Holy Day set apart for man, unto GOD.
REMINDER: The resurrection of the Savior did not happen on a random Sunday. It happened on GOD’s Appointed Day – Firstfruits. This Day ofraisingandwavingguarantees the (greater) harvest – if done according to what GOD has Commanded.One resurrected body sanctifies all who belong to Him. The resurrection is rooted in Torah, the Law (Word), not a traditional church saying.
“Easter” lacks Scriptural Foundation. It was never taught in Scripture. …only by the humans from outside of Israel and GOD’s TANAKH. I am not poking. I am only stating facts, so that those who want to see clearer, can begin to wash their faces and eyes so they can see Yeshua as He is. He was a Feast and Sabbath honoring Judean Who was born on Judah. he is not Roman or Greek. He is a “Jew” Who was raised in the Law and lived according to the TANAKH (and taught It).
Easter has NO Command from the Father
GOD explicitly Commands Passover and His Feasts (Leviticus 23).
There is not one Command anywhere in Scripture to observe a feast called Easter.
Easter has NO calendar definition
Passover is fixed by the Biblical calendar (Nisan 14).
Easter is not defined by Scripture and is determined outside GOD’s appointed times.
Easter has NO teaching from Jesus or the Apostles
Jesus kept Passover (Luke 22:15).
Paul taught Messiah as “our Passover” and “the Firstfruits” – 1 Corinthians 5:7 & 15:20
The (12) continued to frame-up the structure of the resurrection accuracy in Feast language, not Easter language.
Only Passover language explains the Resurrection
Easter cannot explain:
Why Jesus had to rise when He did
Why Paul uses “firstfruits”
Why resurrection guarantees a future harvest
Passover + Firstfruits explains all of it.
Here are a few more details I offer to you concerning the IMPACT of some new beginnings connected to the 17th of Nisan, the Biblical date of Yeshua's resurrection. Are they coincidental? Nah.
The ark rested on Mount Ararat on the 17th day of the seventh month (which later became the 1st month of the religious calendar), signifying the start of a new world – Genesis 8:4
Israel is traditionally believed to have emerged from the Red Sea on the 17th of Nisan, leaving their old life of slavery behind for new life in GOD.
Israel ate the firstfruits of the Promised Land on the 17th of Nisan, and the manna ceased, marking their full entry into a new inheritance. – Joshua 5:10–12
Yeshua was seen during the “counting of the Omer”, a Biblical practice, Commanded in Leviticus 23:9–21. After Jesus was raised on Firstfruits and before Shavuot. He appeared to His disciples over a 40-day period during the counting of the Omer, starting from his resurrection on the Feast of Firstfruits until his ascension, just before Shavuot (Pentecost).
These sightings occurred while the disciples were counting the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot.
The resurrection on Firstfruits marked the start of the harvest, and the 40 days of appearances were used to give "many convincing proofs" that he was alive and to speak about the Kingdom of GOD.
NOTE: The final 10 days of the 50-day count to Shavuot were spent waiting in Jerusalem for the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Even if you don’t think so, or believe it, the New Testament (Brit Chadasha) does follow the Omer Counting timeline. Even though the command isn’t repeated, this Truth chronicle I mentioned above is structured around the Omer count.
Acts 2 takes place on Shavuot, the 50th day after Firstfruits.
Shavuot is only reached by counting the Omer (Leviticus 23:15–21).
This means the early believers were living inside the Omer framework, even if the text doesn’t describe them counting it verbally.