Paschal Imagery in the Gospel of John: A Narrative and Symbolic Reading

Abstract

Passover imagery is central to the narrative structure and theological content of the Fourth Gospel. The imagery begins in the testimony of John the Baptist, declaring Jesus to be the “Lamb of God”. The narrator expands the paschal overtones of this title to incorporate other Old Testament insights associated particularly with temple and cult. The feast of Passover develops into its own metaphorical field, pushing the narrative towards the cross as the climatic moment of revelation. On the way, paschal imagery incorporates not only the lamb but also the shepherd who lays down and takes up his life on behalf of the sheep. Passover becomes a major symbol in the Fourth Gospel, capturing vital, christological aspects of John's understanding of the cross.