The time of Pentecost was a joyous one in the lives of the Jewish people.In contrast to Passover, where they ate unleavened bread to commemorate the solemn passage out of Egyptian slavery, they baked yeast bread of the first harvest of grain of the new growing season. The feast of Pentecost always occurred on Sunday, fifty days after Passover. Jewish pilgrims came from all over the world to be in the holy city for that celebration.

Jesus died during Passover. He, however, came alive, conversed with His disciples, and ascended into heaven shortly before the Feast of Pentecost. He spoke to them of the Holy Spirit, whom He would send in His place to dwell in and empower His followers. He asked that they remain in Jerusalem in prayer. They did -- fasting and praying for three days. At the end…