Firstfruits is a ceremonial recognition of the fact that the initial results of our labor belong to the Lord. (Exodus 13:2, numbers 8:16) We may plant, but it is the Lord who gives us the fruit of our labor. (1 Cor. 3:7) By the offering of the first of the harvest, the rest of the harvest is sanctified. There are actually two celebrations, in the feasts of the Lord, which are called firstfruits, one at Passover, and the other at Pentecost. That is important to know, because there are two main grains with spiritual meanings assigned, in the harvest times of Israel. There are also two groups of people, complete with their attendant promises, which comprise the assembly of the people of God.
The genetic descendants of Abraham through Isaac, have kingdom promises given to them, which are to be fulfilled on earth, and in the promised land. The spiritual seed of Abraham has promises of a heavenly inheritance. This is why God told Abraham that his offspring would number both "more than the sand of the sea" and more "than the stars of the heavens". These two seeds, both physical and spiritual, are also represented by the two main grains of the firstfruits harvest festivals.
Christ is the actual firstfruits offering of the barley harvest. Christians are the barley harvest, itself. (1Cor. 15:20-23) Christians are "the body of Christ" ( Rom. 12:5, 1Cor. 6:15, 1Cor. 12:27, Eph. 5:23). Barley is "thrown into the air" to separate it from the chaff. The 144,000 JEWISH young men, are the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, presented after the barley has been removed from the field. The wheat was harvested using a "tribulum" to break it out of the harder shell it was encased in. The seven year Tribulaion is the beginning of the reign of Messiah, with the harvesting of the wheat and grapes of wrath. (Rev. 14) At His physical return will be the time for the celebration known as the Feast of Trumpets, which is a celebration of Triumph and Ressurection. It is the last feast to celebrate ALL the harvest, before we dwell with Him forever!
