Matthew 26:17-20
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This moment highlights Jesus' intentionality, not just about the meal itself, but about how it would be prepared. He directs the disciples to a specific man and gives them an unusual sign – a man carrying a water pitcher – to find him. This isn't just about finding a room; it's a deliberate, foreknown arrangement that underscores Jesus’ full knowledge and voluntary surrender to what was about to unfold.
Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, his disciples are focused on earthly preparations for the upcoming Passover feast, asking him where they should arrange to eat it. This practical concern unfolds against a backdrop of immense spiritual significance, as Judas has already secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests, and Jesus himself is acutely aware that his "hour" is at hand. Jesus then gives them specific, divinely guided instructions for finding a place in Jerusalem, revealing his foreknowledge of events and his willingness to submit to God's plan, even as he prepares for his ultimate sacrifice.
The disciples asked Jesus a practical question: 'Where should we get ready for the Passover meal?' But Jesus' answer reveals something much deeper about His divine knowledge and plan.
A Calculated Move
The disciples approached Jesus with a straightforward question about logistics for the Passover meal. They wanted to know where to prepare. Jesus, however, didn't just point them to a place. He gave them specific instructions that involved finding a man carrying a water pitcher, following him, and speaking to the master of the house.
This wasn't just a helpful hint; it was a demonstration of Jesus' complete foreknowledge. He knew exactly where to find this man, what he would be doing, and how to ensure they found the right room.
Divine Orchestration
This detailed plan served multiple purposes:
Ask a follow-up
The disciples asked about preparing for the Passover, but the timing of this meal, just before the official national observance, has puzzled many. What's the significance of Jesus celebrating it 'early'?
A Different Kind of Passover
There's a scholarly discussion about whether Jesus' Last Supper was the actual Passover meal or a meal held before the official Passover. The text says it was on the "first day of Unleavened Bread," which was the day the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. Some scholars believe Jesus intentionally held the meal a day early.
Why the Advance Timing?
Several reasons are suggested for this timing:
Understand the original words
pascha · Greek Noun
The annual Jewish feast celebrating the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt, centering on the sacrifice of a lamb. It serves as a type for the redemptive work of Christ.
azymōn · Greek Noun
A period of seven days associated with the Passover, during which Jews eat only bread made without leaven, symbolizing the haste of the Exodus and, metaphorically, the purging of sin.
mathētai · Greek Noun
One who follows a teacher or master; in the New Testament, it refers to the followers of Jesus Christ who are called to learn from Him, obey His teachings, and imitate His life.
didaskalos · Greek Noun
A title often used for Jesus, signifying his role as an authoritative instructor of divine truth and the Law of God.
kairos · Greek Noun
In the Gospel of John and elsewhere in the Passion narrative, this refers to the divinely ordained hour of Jesus' suffering, death, and glorification.
anekeito · Greek Verb
The practice of eating a meal in a reclining position, typical for formal or festive banquets in the Greco-Roman world; it signifies fellowship and intimacy.
dōdeka · Greek Noun/Numeral
The group chosen by Jesus to be his closest followers and messengers, signifying the regathering of the tribes of Israel under the new covenant.
The disciples' question about preparing the Passover highlights Jesus' deliberate timing, anticipating His own sacrifice as the ultimate Passover fulfillment just as the traditional feast was about to begin.
c. 1400 BC
The First Passover
God institutes the Passover during the Exodus from Egypt, commanding it to be celebrated annually as a memorial of Israel's liberation.
Throughout Old Testament Period
Annual Passover Observance
The Passover becomes a central annual festival in Jewish life, marked by the sacrifice of a lamb and the eating of unleavened bread.
Early 1st Century AD
Jewish Custom of Feast Preparation
It was customary for Jews to prepare for major feasts by searching for and removing leaven from their homes before the appointed day.
Nisan 13, Year of Crucifixion (Sunset)
Leaven Removed
Homes were thoroughly searched for leaven, and any found was removed or destroyed as families prepared for the Passover feast. This marked the beginning of the strict observance.
Nisan 14, Year of Crucifixion (Daytime)
Paschal Lamb Slaughtered
The lambs for the Passover sacrifice were slaughtered in the Temple precincts throughout the afternoon. This was the day before the main feast day.
Nisan 14, Year of Crucifixion (Evening)— this verse
Jesus and Disciples Prepare the Passover
Jesus sends disciples into Jerusalem to find a specific room and prepare the Passover meal, which He intends to share with them before His suffering.
Nisan 14, Year of Crucifixion (After Sunset)
The Last Supper
Jesus shares the Passover meal with His disciples, instituting the Lord's Supper and revealing that one of them will betray Him.
This passage details the original institution of the Passover, outlining the preparation and the significance of the meal that Jesus and his disciples are about to celebrate.
Luke 22:7-13This passage provides additional details about Jesus sending disciples to prepare the Passover meal, including the specific instructions given to find the man with the water pitcher.
John 13:1-2This passage immediately follows the meal, showing Jesus initiating the act of washing His disciples' feet, highlighting His humble service just before His passion.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26Paul recounts the Last Supper and Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, which took place after the Passover meal, connecting the Passover's symbolism to Christ's sacrifice.
bensonMatthew 26:17: "Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?"
Matthew 26:17 . On the first day of unleavened bread — Being Thursday, the fourteenth day of the first month, Exodus 12:6 ; Exodus 12:15 . The disciples came, saying, Where wilt thou that we prepare the passover? — They meant at what house. And he said, Go into the city to such a man — This implies that Jesus named the pe…
calvinMatthew 26:14-20: "Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went unto the chief priests,"
- Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests, 15. And said to them, What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you? And they appointed to him thirty pieces of silver. 16. And from that time he sought an opportunity to betray him. 17. Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, Where dost thou wish us to prepare fo…
This moment highlights Jesus' intentionality, not just about the meal itself, but about how it would be prepared. He directs the disciples to a specific man and gives them an unusual sign – a man carrying a water pitcher – to find him. This isn't just about finding a room; it's a deliberate, foreknown arrangement that underscores Jesus’ full knowledge and voluntary surrender to what was about to unfold.
Just before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, his disciples are focused on earthly preparations for the upcoming Passover feast, asking him where they should arrange to eat it. This practical concern unfolds against a backdrop of immense spiritual significance, as Judas has already secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests, and Jesus himself is acutely aware that his "hour" is at hand. Jesus then gives them specific, divinely guided instructions for finding a place in Jerusalem, revealing his foreknowledge of events and his willingness to submit to God's plan, even as he prepares for his ultimate sacrifice.
Just before Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, his disciples are focused on earthly preparations for the upcoming Passover feast, asking him where they should arrange to eat it. This practical concern unfolds against a backdrop of immense spiritual significance, as Judas has already secretly agreed to betray Jesus to the chief priests, and Jesus himself is acutely aware that his "hour" is at hand. Jesus then gives them specific, divinely guided instructions for finding a place in Jerusalem, revealing his foreknowledge of events and his willingness to submit to God's plan, even as he prepares for his ultimate sacrifice.
"Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?” He said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand.…" — This moment highlights Jesus' intentionality, not just about the meal itself, but about how it would be prepared. He directs the disciples to a specific man and gives them an unusual sign – a man c…
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Last reviewed October 2026
