The journeys of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem for the Passover are significant events in the New Testament, reflecting His obedience to Jewish law and His fulfillment of prophetic destiny. These journeys are marked by His teachings, miracles, and the unfolding of His redemptive mission.

Passover Observance

The Passover, a pivotal Jewish festival, commemorates the Israelites' deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As a devout Jew, Jesus observed the Passover, traveling to Jerusalem as prescribed by the Law of Moses. "Three times a year all your men are to appear before the Lord GOD, the God of Israel" (Exodus 34:23). Jesus' adherence to this command underscores His role as the fulfillment of the Law.

Early Journeys

The Gospels record several instances of Jesus traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover. In the Gospel of Luke, we find the account of Jesus' first recorded visit to Jerusalem at the age of twelve. "Every year His parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover" (Luke 2:41). This journey highlights Jesus' early awareness of His divine mission, as He remained in the temple, engaging with the teachers and astonishing them with His understanding (Luke 2:46-47).

Public Ministry

During His public ministry, Jesus' journeys to Jerusalem for the Passover are marked by significant events and teachings. In the Gospel of John, Jesus' first Passover visit during His ministry is noted for the cleansing of the temple. "In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts" (John 2:14-15). This act demonstrated His zeal for His Father's house and foreshadowed His role as the ultimate sacrifice.

Final Journey

The final journey of Jesus to Jerusalem for the Passover culminates in His crucifixion and resurrection. As He approached the city, Jesus predicted His suffering and death, preparing His disciples for the events to come. "We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and scribes. They will condemn Him to death" (Matthew 20:18).

Upon His arrival, Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey" (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:5).

The Last Supper

During this Passover, Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, transforming the traditional meal into a new covenant. "And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me'" (Luke 22:19). This act signified the establishment of a new covenant through His impending sacrifice.

Significance

Jesus' journeys to Jerusalem for the Passover are integral to His mission as the Messiah. They reflect His obedience to the Law, His fulfillment of prophecy, and His role as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). These journeys are not merely physical travels but are deeply symbolic of His path to the cross, where He would accomplish the ultimate act of redemption for humanity.Matthew 19:1,2
And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;
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Mark 10:1
And he arose from there, and comes into the coasts of Judaea by the farther side of Jordan: and the people resort to him again; and, as he was wont, he taught them again.
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Luke 13:10-35
And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.
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Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
... were with me." Amidst his arduous labors and extensive journeys for the cause of
Christ, he was ... weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 37 pauls last journey.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... where it is written of the New Jerusalem, which is ... five and twenty men with their
backs toward the temple ... he saith, I am 'the minister of Jesus Christ to the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

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