How does John 6:4 connect to the significance of the Passover for Christians? Time Marker with Purpose John 6:4 – “Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near.” • John never wastes words; this date stamp orients everything that follows around Passover themes. • The Spirit anchors the miracle of the loaves and the “Bread of Life” teaching in Israel’s foundational redemption feast. Echoes of Exodus • Passover commemorated deliverance from Egypt through the slain lamb and the swift meal (Exodus 12). • Immediately after that first Passover, God fed Israel with manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16). • In John 6, Jesus repeats both scenes: He provides miraculous bread in a deserted place and then explains its meaning. Jesus, the True Passover Lamb • John the Baptist had already signaled, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). • Paul later confirms, “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7). • By timing the feeding sign and the Bread-of-Life discourse at Passover, John links Jesus’ flesh and blood (John 6:51-55) to the lamb eaten in Exodus 12. Bread of Life: A Present Feast • “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger.” (John 6:35) • The original Passover meal had to be eaten; so must Christ be received personally through faith. • Just as the blood on the doorposts spared Israel’s firstborn, Jesus’ blood secures eternal life for all who believe (John 6:53-54). From Shadow to Substance Old Covenant Signs – Slain lamb – Unleavened bread – Temporary rescue from Egypt Fulfilled in Christ – The Lamb who takes away sin forever – Living Bread that grants eternal satisfaction – Final deliverance from death to life (John 5:24) Lord’s Supper: The Ongoing Remembrance • When believers break bread and share the cup, they proclaim the same realities Passover foreshadowed (Luke 22:19-20). • The meal looks back to the cross and forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). Key Takeaways for Today • John 6:4 signals that everything in the chapter should be read through the lens of Passover redemption. • Jesus is both sacrificial Lamb and sustaining Bread—meeting our greatest need: salvation and continual life in Him. • Each celebration of the Lord’s Table keeps the Passover story alive, reminding us that through Christ we have crossed from judgment into freedom and fellowship with God. |
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