Feast of God

It is common to think of Christmas, Easter, Good Friday, and other such holidays whenever there is a discussion about Christian holidays. However, God did not command us to keep any of these holidays. In fact, none of these are biblical celebrations. Instead, God commanded His people to celebrate the feasts of God. And to those who observe God’s feasts, God promises blessings and salvation.

In Leviticus 23 and in Deuteronomy 16, God explains in detail about the seven annual feasts of God, which are grouped into three times, as well as the weekly feast of the Sabbath.

Three times a year all your men must appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose: at the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles.
Deuteronomy 16:16

In the Old Testament, those who kept the feasts of God received God’s blessings. In the New Testament, too, Jesus kept the feasts of God according to the New Covenant.

Jesus Kept the Feasts of God

Jesus did not keep the feasts of God according to the Old Testament ways. Instead, He established the New Covenant—a new order of keeping the feasts of God—and set the example for Christians to follow.

“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
John 13:15

Jesus Kept the Sabbath

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him…
Mark 4:16-17

Jesus Kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” … While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Matthew 26:17-18

Jesus Kept the Feast of Tabernacles

But when the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was near… On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.”
John 7:2,37-38

The Disciples Kept the Feast of Pentecost as Jesus Directed

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to celebrate the Pentecost, which was known was the Feast of Weeks in the Old Testament.

On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 1:4-5

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. . . . They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them.
Acts 2:1-4 (NCV)

The final instruction that Jesus gave His disciples was to make more disciples by carrying on what He taught.

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations… Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)

Today, there are many holidays and celebrations associated with Christianity. However, only the feasts of God contain God’s promise of salvation. The World Mission Society Church of God keeps the feasts of God according to the teaching and example of Christ. Visit your local Church of God and experience the feasts of God for yourself!