John 6:4 – “The Jewish Passover Festival was near.”

Extended Explanation

This verse may seem like just a simple time marker, but it actually adds a deep layer of meaning to the story that follows. John tells us that the Passover festival was near, which is important for understanding the significance of Jesus’ actions in this chapter.

The Passover was the most important Jewish festival, commemorating how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt. It was a time when Jewish families would remember the night when the blood of a lamb protected them from death (Exodus 12:13). It was also a time of great national expectation—people looked forward to the coming of the Messiah, who they hoped would bring another great deliverance.

By mentioning that the Passover was near, John is setting the stage for Jesus’ miracle of feeding the five thousand. This miracle is more than just about food—it points to Jesus as the true Bread of Life, the one who provides not just physical nourishment but eternal salvation.

Historical Context

Passover was an annual festival celebrated in Jerusalem. Thousands of Jewish pilgrims would travel to the city to offer sacrifices and remember God’s deliverance. The event was full of meaning:

• A Sacrificial Lamb – During Passover, a lamb was slain as a sacrifice, just as the Israelites had done in Egypt. This foreshadows Jesus, who is called the Lamb of God (John 1:29).
• Freedom from Slavery – Passover celebrated Israel’s freedom from Egypt. In the same way, Jesus came to bring freedom from the slavery of sin.
• God’s Provision – During the Exodus, God provided manna (bread from heaven) for the Israelites in the wilderness. In John 6, Jesus will feed the people miraculously and later declare that He is the true Bread from Heaven (John 6:35).

Since many Jewish people expected the Messiah to bring another great deliverance, the fact that Jesus performed this miracle around Passover heightened expectations. Some wanted Him to be a political leader who would free them from Roman rule, but Jesus had a greater mission—to free them from sin and death.

Theological Implications

The mention of Passover in this verse reminds us of God’s long-term plan. Just as God rescued Israel from Egypt, He was now bringing a greater rescue through Jesus.

1. Jesus as the True Passover Lamb – The original Passover required the blood of a lamb to protect the Israelites from death. Jesus, through His sacrifice, provides eternal salvation for all who trust in Him (1 Corinthians 5:7).
2. God’s Provision – Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment that lasts forever. The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand in this chapter connects directly to this truth.
3. Deliverance Beyond Politics – The people wanted freedom from Rome, but Jesus came to bring a much greater freedom—freedom from sin and eternal separation from God.

Literary Analysis

John often includes details that have deeper symbolic meaning. The mention of Passover here is not just a historical detail—it prepares the reader to understand Jesus’ miracle in a new light.

Throughout John’s Gospel, Passover is a major theme:

• In John 2:13-22, Jesus cleanses the temple during Passover, showing that He is bringing a new way to worship God.
• In John 6, Passover is mentioned again before Jesus feeds the crowd and declares He is the Bread of Life.
• In John 11:55, the final Passover of Jesus’ ministry is mentioned, leading directly to His crucifixion.

This structure shows that Jesus is fulfilling what Passover was always pointing to—God’s ultimate salvation.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-30 – The first Passover, where God delivers Israel from Egypt through the blood of the lamb.
• Deuteronomy 16:1-8 – God’s command to observe Passover every year.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7 – “For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
• John 1:29 – John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
• John 6:35 – Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as Passover pointed to God’s faithfulness in delivering His people, Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection show that He is the ultimate deliverer.

It also encourages us to think about what kind of deliverance we are looking for. The crowd wanted a political savior, but Jesus came to offer something greater—salvation from sin and eternal life. Sometimes, we focus on temporary problems and forget that our greatest need is spiritual.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He provides for His people, not just in physical needs but in eternal salvation. He provided manna in the wilderness, He provided a sacrificial lamb at Passover, and ultimately, He provided His Son for our salvation.

The mention of Passover reminds us that God had a plan for redemption from the very beginning. Jesus didn’t come as an afterthought—He was always the answer. His love is seen in His willingness to be the true Passover Lamb, sacrificing Himself so that we could be saved.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of everything Passover symbolized:

• The Lamb of God – Just as a lamb’s blood saved the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood saves us from eternal separation from God.
• The True Bread from Heaven – Just as God provided manna in the wilderness, Jesus provides eternal life.
• The Ultimate Deliverer – Just as God freed Israel from slavery in Egypt, Jesus frees us from the slavery of sin.

Jesus did not just come to provide physical food—He came to offer Himself as the source of life. Later in this chapter, He will make that clear by saying, “Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think John mentioned that Passover was near before telling the story of the feeding of the five thousand?
2. How does the original Passover in Exodus help us understand Jesus’ mission?
3. What are some ways people today seek temporary “saviors” instead of trusting in Jesus for true salvation?
4. How does knowing Jesus as the “Lamb of God” change the way we see His sacrifice on the cross?
5. In what ways has God provided for you, not just physically, but spiritually?

John 6:4 is not just a time marker—it is a reminder that Jesus came to fulfill a long-awaited promise. Just as God rescued His people during the first Passover, He sent Jesus to bring the ultimate rescue. This verse invites us to see Jesus not just as a miracle worker but as the Savior who gives eternal life.