Readtime: 4 min. Impact: Lifetime.
The resurgence of interest in the Jewish roots of Christianity and the observance of the Feasts of the Lord among Christians worldwide is a profound and multifaceted phenomenon. Over the past two decades, Christian churches across nearly every major denomination have increasingly recognized the Jewish identity of Jesus, their Savior and King. This awakening has sparked a renewed exploration of the biblical feasts, their theological significance, and their relevance for Gentile believers. However, the question often posed—“Must Christians observe the Jewish feasts?”—is fraught with assumptions that obscure the deeper biblical and theological issues at play. By reframing the question and grounding it in a more biblically faithful context, we can better understand why this topic is making a powerful comeback and how Gentile Christians might approach the Feasts of the Lord in a way that honors both their covenantal continuity with Israel and the transformative work of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, and ascension.
The Problems with the Traditional Question
The traditional framing of the question—“Must Christians observe the Jewish feasts?”—carries several problematic assumptions that misalign with the biblical narrative and the historical context of the early church.
First, the term “Christians” in this context often implies a non-Jewish movement entirely distinct from Israel. This assumption overlooks the Jewish origins of the Christian faith. The New Testament clearly portrays the early followers of Jesus as a Jewish sect, deeply rooted in the traditions, scriptures, and promises of Israel. Jesus himself was a Torah-observant Jew, and his apostles, including Paul, continued to participate in Jewish practices, including the observance of biblical feasts (e.g., Acts 20:16, 1 Corinthians 16:8). Recent scholarship on the Jewish background of the New Testament—such as the work of scholars like N.T. Wright and Amy-Jill Levine—has demonstrated that the early church was far more Jewish in character than later Gentile-dominated Christianity would suggest. The notion of Christianity as a separate, non-Jewish religion emerged gradually, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the subsequent parting of ways between Judaism and Christianity. Thus, to frame Christians as inherently disconnected from Israel is to misrepresent the historical and biblical reality.
Second, referring to the biblical feasts as “the Jewish feasts” subtly disassociates them from their divine origin. The Torah explicitly calls these appointed times “the feasts of the Lord” (Leviticus 23:2, 4, 37, 44). They are God’s feasts, given to Israel as part of their covenantal relationship with Him, but their theological significance extends beyond Israel to the nations. For example, Zechariah 14:16–19 envisions a future where all nations will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles, suggesting a universal scope for these divinely ordained times. By labeling them exclusively as “Jewish,” we risk reducing their universal and eschatological importance, as well as their connection to God’s redemptive plan for all humanity.
Third, the inclusion of “must” in the question evokes the 16th-century Protestant-Catholic debates over faith versus works in the context of personal salvation. This framing inadvertently places the observance of the feasts within a legalistic paradigm, where the question becomes whether Christians are obligated to perform certain rituals to earn salvation. Such a perspective is foreign to the biblical context, where the feasts are not primarily about earning righteousness but about participating in God’s covenantal rhythm, remembering His mighty acts, and anticipating His future redemption. The feasts are an invitation to worship, not a checklist for salvation.
Reframing the Question
To align more closely with the biblical narrative, the question should be reframed as: “Should the follower of the Jewish Christ, who comes from the nations and not from Israel, also mark as holy ‘the Feasts of the Lord’?” This formulation acknowledges the Jewish identity of Jesus, the Gentile believer’s distinct yet connected relationship to Israel, and the divine ownership of the feasts. It shifts the focus from obligation to opportunity, inviting Gentile Christians to consider how they might participate in God’s appointed times in a way that reflects both covenantal continuity with Israel and the transformative reality of Jesus’ work.
The answer to this reframed question is a resounding yes. Gentile followers of Jesus are not required to become Jewish or to observe the feasts in the same manner as Israel under the Mosaic covenant. However, they are invited to mark these times as holy in a way that reflects their inclusion in the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12–13) through Christ. The question is not whether they should observe the feasts but how they should do so in a manner that honors their identity as Gentiles, respects the unique calling of Israel, and celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus.
The Feasts of the Lord and Their Christian Significance
The Feasts of the Lord, as outlined in Leviticus 23, include the weekly Sabbath, Passover, the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Firstfruits, Pentecost (Shavuot), the Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). These appointed times are not merely cultural or ethnic celebrations but are deeply theological, pointing to God’s redemptive acts in history and His eschatological purposes.
For Gentile Christians, observing these feasts can be a powerful way to connect with the biblical narrative and the Jewish roots of their faith. For example:
- Passover commemorates God’s deliverance of Israel from Egypt and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, the Passover Lamb who delivers humanity from sin and death (1 Corinthians 5:7). Christians can observe Passover by reflecting on Christ’s sacrifice and participating in a Christ-centered Seder that highlights both the historical exodus and its fulfillment in Jesus.
- Pentecost celebrates the giving of the Torah at Sinai and, in the New Testament, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). Gentile believers can mark this feast by giving thanks for the Spirit’s work in uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body (Ephesians 2:14–18).
- The Feast of Tabernacles looks forward to God’s ultimate dwelling with humanity (Revelation 21:3). Christians can celebrate this feast by reflecting on Jesus as the Word who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14) and anticipating His return.
Historical Christian Observance and Modern Implications
Interestingly, many Christian traditions have never entirely abandoned the observance of the Feasts of the Lord, though their practices have often diverged from biblical patterns. The Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches, for instance, celebrate feasts like Easter (tied to Passover) and Pentecost, but they have frequently shifted the dates to distinguish themselves from Jewish practice and incorporated non-biblical traditions. Protestant churches, too, often mark these times with special services, though they may not explicitly connect them to their Jewish roots.
In recent years, however, there has been a growing movement among Christians to reclaim the Jewish context of these feasts. This movement is driven by a desire to reconnect with the biblical narrative, foster solidarity with the Jewish people, and experience the richness of God’s appointed times. For example, many churches now host Passover Seders, study the biblical feasts in their small groups, or incorporate elements of the feasts into their liturgical calendars. This trend is particularly evident in evangelical and charismatic communities, where there is a hunger for deeper engagement with Scripture and a rejection of the supersessionist theology that once distanced Christianity from its Jewish heritage.
Practical Considerations for Gentile Observance
For Gentile Christians, observing the Feasts of the Lord does not mean adopting Jewish identity or legalistically following the Mosaic Law. Instead, it involves a Christ-centered approach that respects the distinct roles of Israel and the nations in God’s plan. Here are some practical ways Gentile believers can mark the feasts:
- Education and Reflection: Study the biblical significance of each feast and its fulfillment in Jesus. Resources like the writings of scholars such as Marvin Wilson or Lois Tverberg can provide valuable insights.
- Worship and Celebration: Incorporate the themes of the feasts into personal or corporate worship. For example, during the Feast of Tabernacles, believers might reflect on God’s provision and pray for His kingdom to come.
- Partnership with Israel: Observe the feasts in a way that honors the Jewish people and their unique covenantal role. This might include attending a Jewish-led Seder (with permission) or supporting ministries that foster Jewish-Christian reconciliation.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid appropriating Jewish practices in a way that erases their distinctiveness or implies that Christians have replaced Israel. Gentile observance should reflect humility and gratitude for being grafted into God’s covenantal promises (Romans 11:17–24).
Conclusion
The renewed interest in the Feasts of the Lord among Christians is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s work in restoring the church’s understanding of its Jewish roots. By reframing the question of observance in a way that honors the Jewish identity of Jesus, the divine ownership of the feasts, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God’s redemptive plan, we can move beyond legalistic debates to a richer, more biblical vision. Gentile Christians are not obligated to observe the feasts, but they are invited to participate in them as an act of worship, solidarity with Israel, and anticipation of God’s kingdom. As churches continue to embrace this call, they will experience a deeper connection to the commonwealth of Israel and a fuller appreciation of the God who has appointed these times for His glory and our joy.
If God has blessed you through this article, please consider support my future cutting-edge research and teaching. I will be very grateful! Please, click here and make an impact.
