Jesus went up to Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the central city of Jewish worship, home to the Temple, which is the focal point of religious life and the location where sacrifices are offered. The phrase "went up" is used because Jerusalem is situated on a hill, and pilgrims would ascend to the city. This journey to Jerusalem for the Passover was a customary practice for Jewish males, as prescribed in Deuteronomy 16:16. Jesus' presence in Jerusalem during Passover is significant, as it demonstrates His adherence to Jewish law and customs, and it foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice. This visit also sets the stage for His public ministry and the events leading to His crucifixion.

• God’s timetable is exact. Nothing in Jesus’ ministry happens haphazardly. “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son” (Galatians 4:4). John repeatedly marks the calendar of Jesus’ life (John 7:30; 13:1), underscoring that every event unfolds right on schedule.

• The moment recorded here is a hinge between the private sign at Cana (John 2:1-11) and a very public confrontation in the temple courts. We are invited to watch how divine purpose intersects ordinary dates on a calendar.

• Passover is the memorial of Israel’s rescue from Egypt (Exodus 12). Three times a year males were commanded to appear before the LORD in the place He chose (Deuteronomy 16:16).

• John purposely calls it “the Jewish Passover,” pointing readers beyond national ritual to its ultimate fulfillment. Paul later writes, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). From the first chapter, John has already identified Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

• By tying Jesus to this festival, Scripture links the Exodus deliverance to the greater deliverance Jesus will accomplish at the cross.

• The nearness of the feast heightens expectation. Crowds surge toward Jerusalem; hearts are tuned to remember redemption. That charged atmosphere sets the stage for Jesus’ dramatic cleansing of the temple (John 2:14-17).

• John later notes two additional times when “the Passover was near” (John 6:4; 11:55), each one advancing the story toward the climactic Passover in which Jesus Himself will die. God lets us feel the countdown.

• Nearness reminds us that opportunities to meet with God arrive, then pass. Psalm 95:7-8 urges, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

• The focus instantly shifts from the feast to its true fulfillment—Jesus. “In Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9).

• He is not merely a participant; He is the Lord of the feast. Just as He turned water into wine, He will soon redefine Passover bread and cup (Luke 22:19-20).

• His presence confronts stale religion. Whenever Jesus enters a scene, revelation follows (John 8:12) and authority is exercised (Matthew 28:18).

• Pilgrims always spoke of “going up” to the holy city, both geographically and spiritually (Psalm 122:1).

• Jesus’ consistent obedience to the Law is on display. From childhood He traveled to Jerusalem for the feasts (Luke 2:41-42). He fulfills every righteous requirement (Matthew 3:15).

• The phrase also hints at purposeful ascent toward His ultimate mission. Each step is a step toward the cross (John 12:27).

• Jerusalem is the city God chose “that My Name might be there” (2 Chronicles 6:6). Prophets called it the place of God’s throne and salvation (Isaiah 2:3).

• It is here that prophecy, sacrifice, and kingdom converge. Jesus will teach, heal, clash with authorities, die, rise, and ascend from this city. Luke 13:34 captures His heart: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children together.”

• Ultimately the earthly city points forward to “the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God” (Revelation 21:2), secured by the Lamb who now walks its streets in John 2.

John 2:13 plants a simple travel note that opens a panoramic window on God’s redemptive plan. At precisely the right moment, near the feast that celebrates deliverance, Jesus—fully obedient Son and true Passover Lamb—ascends to the city chosen for sacrifice and glory. Every detail affirms Scripture’s accuracy: time, festival, Person, movement, and place all align to reveal the Savior who fulfills Law, prophecy, and promise.

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