If Yeshua honored the appointed times of YHWH, why would we do anything less?
The holy days described in Leviticus 23—Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits, and the rest—are not merely “Jewish traditions.” They are clearly labeled in Scripture as YHWH’s appointed times (Leviticus 23:2). These are His set-apart days, established not by man or culture, but by God Himself. They are not obsolete, outdated, or optional for believers who follow Yeshua—they are part of God’s design for remembering, worshiping, and aligning ourselves with Him.
Key Verse:
“The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”
—John 2:13 (NASB)
Background Context:
In John 2, Yeshua went up to Jerusalem for the Passover, just as He had done every year of His life. He entered the temple and found it filled with sellers and money changers—people who had corrupted what was meant to be a sacred space of worship and reverence. With righteous anger, He overturned the tables and drove them out, declaring His Father’s house must not be desecrated. His disciples remembered the words from Psalm 69:9: “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”
This same zeal should consume us. Our Messiah deeply honored the ways and appointments of YHWH—even when those around Him ignored or distorted them. He kept the feasts, not out of obligation, but out of obedience and love for the Father. He didn’t bow to cultural expectations or human traditions. Instead, He challenged them.
Sadly, many who claim to follow Yeshua today have set aside YHWH’s appointed times and replaced them with manmade holidays like Christmas and Easter—days that are not found in Scripture and often stem from pagan traditions. While well-intended by many, these substitutions miss the richness and purpose of what YHWH Himself has ordained.
Yeshua came not to abolish the Law or the Prophets, but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). That includes how He lived and how He worshiped. If we claim to follow Him, shouldn’t we follow His example fully—including how He honored the holy days?
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
First Passover—Cleansing the Temple
13The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. 15And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables; 16and to those who were selling the doves He said, “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.” 17His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME.” 18The Jews then said to Him, “What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?” 19Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22So when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He said this; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had spoken.
23Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. 24But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.
Reflection on John 2:13–25 and Leviticus 23
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YHWH’s Holy Days Are for All His People
Leviticus 23 begins by saying, “These are the appointed times of the Lord…” not “the appointed times of the Jews.” They are His, and He calls all His people to honor them. -
Yeshua Was Zealous for What Was Holy
When Yeshua saw the temple defiled, He acted boldly. He didn’t shrink back from challenging what was wrong. His passion for what is set apart should inspire us to do the same. -
The Appointed Times Point to Messiah
Passover reflects Yeshua’s sacrifice. Firstfruits points to His resurrection. Pentecost to the giving of the Holy Spirit. These are not just “Jewish” observances—they proclaim the Gospel! -
We Are Called to Be Set Apart
Replacing YHWH’s holy days with cultural holidays waters down the sanctity of God’s appointed times. As followers of Yeshua, we are to walk differently than the world—even if that means being misunderstood.
Summary Key Points
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YHWH’s appointed times are holy and still relevant today.
They are not cultural relics—they are divine rhythms of worship. -
Yeshua honored the holy days and never replaced them.
He is our example in all things, including how we worship. -
Manmade traditions are not substitutes for God’s instructions.
Our devotion should reflect His ways, not merely popular culture. -
Being set apart may be uncomfortable—but it’s worth it.
Let your zeal for YHWH’s house and ways outweigh your desire for cultural acceptance.
Application
Take time to read through Leviticus 23 and explore the appointed times of YHWH. Ask the Father to guide you into deeper understanding and obedience. Challenge assumptions you’ve inherited from culture or tradition. How can your celebration and worship more closely mirror the example of Yeshua?
Learn more at Bible.org – The Lord’s Appointed Times (Leviticus 23)
Closing Prayer
Father, You have called us to walk in Your ways and to honor what You have set apart. Give us hearts that are zealous for Your truth and humble enough to be corrected. Help us to live like Yeshua—not just in words, but in how we worship, how we live, and what we celebrate. Teach us to love Your appointed times and to find joy in the rhythms You have given us. In the name of our Messiah Yeshua, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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