What does John 11:55 mean?

Explanation

John 11:55 describes the time approaching the Jewish Passover, a significant religious festival in Judaism commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.

This verse specifically notes that many Jews were traveling from the countryside to Jerusalem, the location where the Passover celebration was centrally held.

They went there before the festival began to purify themselves, which likely involved ritual washing and abstaining from certain impurities, in keeping with ceremonial laws established in the Torah, for example in Numbers 9:6-12 and Leviticus 15.

The verse emphasizes the devotion of the people to their religious customs and their commitment to being ceremonially clean before participating in the most sacred festivities.

Additionally, the mention of purification highlights the importance of holiness and preparation in approaching God to commemorate their deliverance, a critical theme in much of Jewish religious life.

Historical Context

During the era when the Gospel of John was written, the Jewish people celebrated Passover annually in remembrance of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

This event is dated to the first century CE.

Jerusalem was the focal point for the festival because it hosted the Temple, which was considered God's dwelling place on earth and the central site for major Jewish worship and sacrifices.

The act of going “up” to Jerusalem is more than a geographical reference; it often has a connotative meaning signifying approaching a place of greater holiness.

Jerusalem, being on elevated terrain, was physically higher than most other areas, but this ascent also symbolizes moving towards a more sacred space to encounter God during a holy time.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse can be interpreted through various lenses.

Some may see it as a foreshadowing of the transformative event of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, which Christians believe fulfilled and transcended the Jewish Passover celebration.

Others may view the emphasis on purification as a symbol of the need for spiritual cleansing and preparation to meet with God.

The verse also harmonizes with the wider Johannine themes of light and darkness, sin and purification, foreshadowing the upcoming chapters where Jesus will be the sacrificial 'Lamb of God' who takes away the sins of the world – an act that Christians believe provides the ultimate purification.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse encourages the faithful to take time to prepare themselves spiritually before engaging in worship or religious observances.

In contemporary application, this might equate to prayer, confession, meditation, or the study of scriptures to cleanse one's thoughts and refocus on the sacred.

The concept of pilgrimage reflected in the verse can also be understood symbolically, encouraging believers to consciously move towards holiness in their daily walk and to make intentional efforts to draw closer to their faith, especially during significant religious seasons.

Cross-References

• Exodus 12:1-28: Describes the original Passover and the instructions given to the Israelites.
• Leviticus 15: The laws on ceremonial cleansing concerning bodily discharges.
• Numbers 9:6-12: Discusses Passover observances and provision for those unclean or away on a journey.
• Psalm 24:3-4: Speaks about who may stand in the holy place - those with clean hands and a pure heart.
• Hebrews 10:22: Invites believers to draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith after hearts are sprinkled from an evil conscience.

Language Study

Key terms in the original Greek text include:

• "Passover" (Πάσχα, Pascha): Referring to the Jewish feast commemorating the Exodus.
• "Purify" (ἁγνίζω, hagnizō): To make clean, consecrate, or sanctify often through ritual or ceremonial cleansing.
• "Was nigh at hand" (ἐγγίζω, eggizō): To draw near or approach, used here to indicate the festival was imminent.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Other ancient cultures also had purification rituals before their religious ceremonies, like the Greeks who bathed before entering temples.

In Hinduism, the Ganges River is considered sacred and purifying, with millions bathing in its waters for spiritual cleansing.

Comparably, the Jewish practice involved purification baths known as mikvot, used before entering the Temple or engaging in holy days such as Passover.

Scientific Perspectives

The practice of ritualistic bathing or handwashing as a form of ceremonial purity has parallels in modern understandings of hygiene.

While the ancient context was largely religious, there is an inadvertent alignment with what we now understand about the transmission of pathogens and the benefits of cleanliness to public health.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer different interpretations of John 11:55.

Many agree that the verse sets the stage for the climactic events of Jesus' final week before crucifixion.

Some, like Matthew Henry, see it as an indication of the devoutness of the Jewish people to their religious ceremonies.

Others, such as William Barclay, might stress the symbolic significance of the purification process, suggesting that those who seek God must also seek purity.

Contemporary scholars might also discuss the social and communal implications of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, emphasizing the sense of a shared religious identity and the collective movement towards a holy encounter.