The biblical calendar as described in Leviticus 23 was given to Israel to foster the perpetual annual remembrance of God’s redemptive and loving actions toward His People. Messianic Judaism includes the celebration of the feasts, but what about Gentile Christians? Are they required to observe the Jewish feasts as well? Can they participate along with Messianic Jews?
While Messianic Jews continue to enjoy the meaningful celebrations of the Feasts of Israel, there is no requirement for Gentile Christians to observe the Jewish Feasts of Leviticus. However, these remembrances offer a significant opportunity to celebrate Yeshua’s fulfillment of them. Gentile Believers can be deeply blessed by learning about the biblical feasts and festivals as they are so instrumental to understanding God’s wondrous revelation of Himself. Many Gentile Believers have chosen to include Israel’s religious calendar in their own faith experience.
It is worth noting that many of the ancient observances of the Feasts are not in practice today in either Judaism or Messianic Judaism. For instance, there are no animal sacrifices for the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) at the Temple, and the Feast of First Fruits does not include a literal offering of the first of a grain harvest to the Lord. Jewish People today have modern observances that commemorate the original instructions in the Tanakh (Old Testament).
Messianic Judaism has much to offer Gentile believers as it provides a deeper understanding of God and His faithfulness. As believers in Yeshua, whether Messianic Jews or Gentiles, we have the joy of seeing Yeshua in the Feasts and honoring Him through them.
