John 2:13

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

And {G2532} the Jews {G2453}' passover {G3957} was {G2258} at hand {G1451}, and {G2532} Jesus {G2424} went up {G305} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414},

It was almost time for the festival of Pesach in Y’hudah, so Yeshua went up to Yerushalayim.

When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

And the passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Commentary

John 2:13 marks a significant transition in Jesus' early public ministry, setting the stage for His first major public act recorded in this Gospel. The verse succinctly states the timing and destination of Jesus, providing crucial context for the events that follow.

Context

This verse establishes that "the Jews' passover was at hand," indicating the approach of one of the most important annual Jewish festivals. Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) commemorated the Exodus from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event in Israelite history. It was a pilgrimage festival, requiring all Jewish males to travel to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Temple. Jesus, being a devout Jew, adhered to this custom, and His journey "up to Jerusalem" was a customary act for the feast.

This particular Passover is understood to be the first of three mentioned in John's Gospel during Jesus' public ministry, suggesting a ministry duration of approximately three years. The timing is critical as it immediately precedes Jesus' dramatic cleansing of the Temple, an act that would provoke significant attention and opposition from religious authorities.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Observance of Jewish Law and Custom: By going to Jerusalem for Passover, Jesus demonstrates His obedience to the Mosaic Law and His participation in the religious life of His people. This highlights His faithfulness to the covenant, setting an example of faithfulness to God's covenant.
  • Divine Timing and Purpose: The specific mention of "Passover" is not incidental. It frames Jesus' actions in Jerusalem within the context of Israel's redemption history, hinting at His ultimate role as the true Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring about a new and greater deliverance. His presence at the Temple during this high holy day underscores the divine orchestration of His ministry.

Significance and Application

John 2:13 serves as a gateway to understanding Jesus' early ministry and His relationship with Jewish tradition and institutions. It shows Jesus actively engaging with the spiritual practices of His time, not as an outsider, but as one fully immersed in the life of Israel. This trip immediately precedes Jesus' dramatic cleansing of the temple courts, where He challenges the commercialization of worship and asserts His authority over God's house. For believers today, this verse reminds us of the importance of spiritual disciplines and communal worship, as exemplified by Christ Himself. It also underscores that Jesus' actions were always purposeful, fulfilling prophecy and revealing His divine identity within the framework of God's redemptive plan.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Luke 2:41

    ¶ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

  • John 11:55

    And the Jews' passover was nigh at hand: and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the passover, to purify themselves.

  • John 2:23

    ¶ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast [day], many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

  • Deuteronomy 16:1

    ¶ Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.

  • Deuteronomy 16:8

    Six days thou shalt eat unleavened bread: and on the seventh day [shall be] a solemn assembly to the LORD thy God: thou shalt do no work [therein].

  • Exodus 12:6

    And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

  • Exodus 12:14

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
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