JOHN 11:55–57, THE LAST PASSOVER APPROACHES
THE HOUR OF SALVATION DRAWS NEAR AMID FEAR AND EXPECTATION
Introduction
These brief verses form a solemn bridge between the public ministry of Jesus and the beginning of his Passion. After the decision of the Sanhedrin to put Jesus to death, the atmosphere in Jerusalem becomes tense and watchful. The feast of Passover, which celebrates liberation and life, now unfolds in the shadow of plots, fear, and uncertainty. John deliberately places this scene before the Passion narrative to show that Jesus’ death will take place within the sacred framework of Passover. What is about to happen is not accidental or merely political; it is the fulfillment of God’s saving plan.
Bible Passage (John 11:55–57)
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. They looked for Jesus and said to one another as they were in the temple area, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast?”
For the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should inform them, so that they might arrest him.
Background
Passover was the most important feast in Jewish life, commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Pilgrims traveled to Jerusalem days in advance to undergo ritual purification so they could celebrate worthily. The city would have been crowded with worshippers, expectation, and religious fervor. At the same time, the authorities were on high alert, fearing unrest and determined to eliminate Jesus. The stage is now fully set for the Passion.
Opening Life Connection
There are moments in life when something decisive is about to happen, and everyone senses it. Conversations are filled with questions, tension hangs in the air, and people wonder who will act and how. Spiritually too, there are times when God invites us to prepare our hearts, even while fear and confusion surround us. This Gospel asks us how we prepare for the Lord’s coming—externally or internally.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
The Evangelist begins by stating the Passover of the Jews was near. This is not a casual detail. Passover recalls freedom, sacrifice, and God’s saving power. Yet now, the true Passover Lamb is approaching Jerusalem, not to escape death, but to pass through death for the salvation of the world. History and salvation are converging.
John notes that many went up from the country to Jerusalem before Passover to purify themselves. Ritual purification was required before participating in the feast. People cleansed themselves externally according to the Law. Ironically, while the crowds focus on ritual readiness, the leaders are plotting violence. The Gospel quietly raises a deeper question: is external purification enough without inner conversion?
In the Temple area, people begin to ask one another, what do you think? That he will not come to the feast? Jesus becomes the unspoken center of attention. There is curiosity, expectation, and uncertainty. Everyone knows the danger. Will Jesus come, knowing his life is at risk? The question is filled with suspense, because the answer will reveal the kind of Messiah Jesus truly is.
The final verse exposes the dark reality: the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders. Authority is now used not to guide worship but to hunt a man. The call to report Jesus’ whereabouts turns the holy city into a place of surveillance and fear. Religion, meant to lead people to God, is distorted into an instrument of control and violence.
Yet beneath this human plotting lies divine faithfulness. Jesus will indeed come to Jerusalem. He will not avoid the feast. He will become its fulfillment. The Lamb will not hide from sacrifice.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Passover was an obligation for Jewish males living within reach. Purification involved ritual baths and offerings. During major feasts, Roman authorities increased military presence to prevent uprisings. Messianic hopes often intensified at Passover, making leaders especially wary of anyone who stirred the crowds.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church sees in this passage the threshold of the Paschal Mystery. Jesus freely enters Jerusalem knowing what awaits him. His obedience contrasts with the fear-driven actions of the authorities. True worship, the Church teaches, requires both external participation and inner conversion, which Christ will accomplish through his sacrifice.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Throughout history, many saints approached suffering with clarity and peace, knowing their “hour” had come. They did not flee when fidelity demanded sacrifice. Their courage mirrored Christ’s willingness to face danger out of love and obedience to God’s will.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel challenges us to examine how we prepare for sacred moments. Do we focus only on external observance while neglecting inner conversion? It also invites us to trust Christ when faith becomes risky. Like Jesus, we are called not to hide from truth but to walk faithfully into God’s will.
Eucharistic Connection
Every Mass is rooted in Passover. As we approach the altar, we prepare not only with outward reverence but with repentant hearts. The same Jesus who was sought in the Temple now comes to us sacramentally, offering himself as the true Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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I will prepare my heart, not just my actions, for encounters with God.
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I will reject fear-driven faith and choose trust in God’s plan.
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I will recognize Jesus as the true Passover Lamb who brings freedom.
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I will resist using religion for control rather than love.
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I resolve to follow Christ faithfully, even when discipleship is costly.
Outline for Preachers
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Context: after the Sanhedrin’s decision, before the Passion
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Passover background and meaning
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Life experience of tension and decisive moments
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Key phrases explained: Passover was near, to purify themselves, will he come to the feast?, orders to arrest him
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Jewish purification practices and political fear
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Catholic teaching on true worship and inner conversion
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Eucharist as fulfillment of Passover
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Call to conversion: readiness, courage, and trust
