Yom HaBikkurim (Day of the Firstfruits, also called "Early Firstfruits") is the day when the "wave-sheaf" offering of the first barley was made by the priest in ancient Israel. It was made on the "morrow after the Sabbath" that occurs within the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It is the day from which the count of the 50 days to Shavuot (Pentecost, also called "Latter Firstfruits") is made, by counting "from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete" (Lev 23:15)

The wave-sheaf offering represents the resurrected Messiah (Yeshua/Jesus) being waved before (presented to) the Father (YHWH) as the "Firstfruits" of many brethren. This occurred shortly after his resurrection when he, as our high-priest, ascended to present himself before the Father. Recall John's account of Yeshua appearing first to Mary Magdalene:

John 20:14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. 15. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. 16. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. 17. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.

A bit later, we read of his appearance to several of the women:

Matthew 28:8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. 9. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him

Since they were now able to touch him, Yeshua had apparently by this time ascended and presented himself before the Father.

As we observe the Spring "Feasts of the Lord" (Lev 23:1-21) including the Passover and the Days of Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits, let us not lose sight of the fact that it is Yeshua's resurrection that is the proof that his sacrifice as our Passover Lamb was valid.

1 Corinth 15:17-23

17. And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

18. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.

19. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

20. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

21. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

22. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

John 1:29 ..."Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

May He return speedily in our day!

-- Mike & Cathy at Olive Branches

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