⁵⁵ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover,^(A) many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing^(B) before the Passover.

¹³ The blood of goats and bulls^(A) and the ashes of a heifer^(B) sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. ¹⁴ How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit^(C) offered himself^(D) unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences^(E) from acts that lead to death,^[a](F) so that we may serve the living God!^(G)

¹⁷ Since many in the crowd had not consecrated themselves, the Levites had to kill^(A) the Passover lambs for all those who were not ceremonially clean and could not consecrate their lambs^[a] to the Lord. ¹⁸ Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves,^(B) yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone ¹⁹ who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” ²⁰ And the Lord heard^(C) Hezekiah and healed^(D) the people.^(E)

Jesus Anointed at Bethany^(A)

12 Six days before the Passover,^(B) Jesus came to Bethany,^(C) where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

⁴ The Jewish Passover Festival^(A) was near.