But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23
Happy Resurrection Sunday! Today Christians around the world are remembering and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Messiah!
Today is also an important day on the Jewish calendar. It is the festival of Firstfruits, when the firstfruits of the barley harvest was brought to the Temple (see Leviticus 23:9-14). In this way, a farmer brings God the first of his crops, trusting that God will provide him with the rest (what if a plague of locusts comes through the next day and eats it all?). How much is brought is dependent on the generosity of each person.
The Apostle Paul makes a connection between these two celebrations. Firstfruits is defined as the day after the Sabbath of Passover, which is the same day that Jesus rose (“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week…” (Matthew 28:1)). Paul taught that Jesus is the firstfruits of those to rise from the dead. What does that mean? Just as a farmer gives God the first of his crop, trusting that the rest will be harvested, so Jesus was the first of the resurrection of the dead, we are to trust that all who believe in him will rise one day, too. That is what makes his resurrection so critical.
We worship him not just because he died for our sins, but also because he is alive and has conquered death! This is something to celebrate!
