Daily Devotion | New Rocky Creek Baptist Church

Jesus the Firstfruits

Posted on Apr 19, 2022 in Devotions |

Introduction: What does “Firstfruits” mean? Do you know where to find the biblical references on firstfruits? How does it pertain to the resurrection? This devotion will compile information which should both enlighten as well as encourage every believer as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

1. First, let’s discuss the Old Testament origin of Firstfruits!

“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 10Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: 11And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD. 13And the meat offering thereof shall be two tenth deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire unto the LORD for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shall be of wine, the fourth part of an hin. 14And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor green ears, until the selfsame day that ye have brought an offering unto your God: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.” (Lev 23:9-14)

In this passage of Scripture that God had Moses to write down which strickly pertained to Israel, we can find all of the following:

*Agricultural significance
*Historical significance

*Prophetical significance

Remember. These Jewish feasts were “Time outs” for Israel. This included three in the spring (Passover, Unleavened bread, Firstfruits), and one in the summer (Pentecost) and the remaining three in the fall (Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and lastly Feasts of Tabernacle). The Lord was teaching His people that they were to give Him the very first of all the fruits – crops. Even today in regards to giving, the New Testament describes this important principle which was established during the days of Moses. From a prophetical perspective, this term “firstfruits” points to the resurrection of Jesus Christ as we will see in the next heading.

2. Second, let’s see how the Old Testament and the New Testament fit together when discussing the topic of Firstfruits!

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.” (1Cor 15:20-24)

The term “firstfruits” is ἀπαρχή,(ap-ar-khay’), which means the first-fruits, the earliest crop of the year, sacrifice, gift.
Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is declaring that Jesus Christ not only arose from the dead, never to die again, but all those who would place their faith and trust in Him would do the same at His return. This includes the bodily resurrection of the saved at the rapture (1Thess 4:16, 17). This gives hope to a hopeless world. Jesus is our Hope.
Because of His resurrection, there is life beyond the grave.

Conclusion: Clearly, Jesus is called the “firstfruits” for a reason. He literally fulfilled the Jewish feasts called Firstfruits. The Passover parallels Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Unleavened bread represents His burial. And finally, Firstfruits foreshadows His rising from the grave thus conquering death, hell, sin and the grave. Now we can celebrate the resurrection with a biblical background.

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese