Why Jesus Never Missed Passover

In Jesus’ commitment to the Passover, we see why Jesus honored God’s appointed time and how His sacrifice still invites believers into forgiveness, victory, and life.

“The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13).

To Jesus, the Passover was not just another day, and celebrating it was not an option. During His earthly ministry, He went to Jerusalem specifically to celebrate Passover. And it was no accident that during Passover Jesus was tried, arrested, and crucified because it was His appointed time.

The Bible tells us “six days before the Passover,” Jesus came to Bethany to visit Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 12:1). A few days later, He and His disciples gathered to celebrate Passover in Jerusalem.

Jesus knew God’s commandment: Passover was a celebration instituted as a feast to the Lord. It was “a statute forever” (Exodus 12:14), one of “the appointed feasts of the LORD” (Leviticus 23:4).

Jesus knew that by dying on the cross, He was the fulfillment of Passover, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

But is Passover still important? Yes. This still is God’s appointed time, and He still promises special blessings for those who keep His Passover.

Ask God to open your eyes to the importance of Passover. Remember that Jesus became your Passover Lamb. Because of His sacrificial death, your sins are forgiven. He rose again so you could have eternal life.

Don’t allow sin to rule over you. And don’t be discouraged or filled with doubt or fear. You have victory through Jesus!

Reflection Question: What might it look like for you to honor God’s appointed times today?