Preparing for the Passover: A Call to Intentional Discipleship
“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
Matthew 26:17 (KJV) states, "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?" This verse presents a pivotal moment in the story of the Last Supper. The disciples, in the midst of a sacred celebration, approach Jesus with a specific inquiry—where to prepare for the Passover meal. This seemingly simple request opens profound avenues for reflection, not only on the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion but also on our own lives as disciples of Christ.
The feast of unleavened bread, closely associated with the Passover, represented a time of remembrance and reflection for the Jewish people. It commemorated their liberation from Egyptian bondage and the hasty departure that followed, during which they could not allow their bread to rise (Exodus 12:17-20). To the Jews, this was not merely a historical event but a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance. As Christians, this provides us with layers of meaning as well, especially as we approach the heart of the Gospel—Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.
In this instance, the disciples' inquiry highlights the importance of preparation in our walk with Jesus. They demonstrate an eagerness to ensure that everything necessary for honoring the Passover was ready. Herein lies a key lesson for us as believers: intentionality in our approach to worship and in our relationship with Christ. Just as the disciples sought direction from Jesus on the preparations, we are called to seek His guidance in our lives. Are we taking the time to prepare our hearts for communion with Him? Are we conscious of the significance of moments of worship? Our lives are meant to be a continual offering, and preparation is crucial.
The inquiry, "Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?" also reminds us of our dependence on Christ. The disciples, although they had been with Him, still approached Him with the question—indicating a readiness to follow His direction. This dependency teaches us humility. In our quest for guidance, we may often think we can navigate our paths alone, yet true discipleship involves recognizing that we need God's leadership in every aspect of our lives. 1 Corinthians 3:11 articulates, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." In preparing for our spiritual meals, we must first acknowledge the source; Jesus alone provides sustenance for our souls.
Moreover, the request for preparation reflects a community in action. It wasn't a lone disciple who posed this question but a collective response to a shared faith and responsibility. They were working together, which fosters a spirit of unity and collaboration. In the New Testament, discipleship is often portrayed as a communal endeavor, reinforcing the calling to be part of the body of Christ. As we prepare for spiritual practices—be it worship, study, or service—we should inspire one another, sharing both burdens and joys in the journey of faith. Hebrews 10:24 encourages, "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works."
Finally, as we reflect on the context of this passage, we are reminded that the preparation of the Passover ultimately leads to the revelation of Jesus' purpose on earth—the crucifixion and resurrection. This underscores a crucial aspect of our faith: every preparation in our lives is leading us towards understanding and engaging more deeply with the grace of God. That Passover meal described in Matthew 26 set in motion the greatest act of love known to humanity. In preparing our hearts and lives diligently towards Christ, we align ourselves with that transformative power.
As we go forth in our own ‘feasts of unleavened bread’—our moments of worship and reflection—let us echo the disciples’ inquiry. Where, O Lord, would You have us prepare to meet with You? Let us enter each day with the intention of discovering God’s will and crafting our lives as offerings worthy of His glory.
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Artwork for Matthew 26:17
Matthew 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 26:17-30 - "Matthew 26:17-30: 17 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?” 18 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.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. 20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. "
"¶ 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
"Matthew 26:17-30: 17 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?” 18 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.’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover. 20 When it was evening, he reclined at table with the twelve. 21 And as they were eating, he said, “Truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 And they were very sorrowful and began to say to him one after another, “Is it I, Lord?” 23 He answered, “He who has dipped his hand in the dish with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Judas, who would betray him, answered, “Is it I, Rabbi?” He said to him, “You have said so.” 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. " - Matthew 26:17-30
Matthew 17:26 - "Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free."
"Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free." - Matthew 17:26
Matthew 26:25
Matthew 26:15
Matthew 19:26
Matthew 26:15
Matthew 27:26
Matthew 17:17-18
Matthew 27:26
Matthew 26:53
Matthew 26:41
Matthew 26:65
Matthew 26:53
Matthew 17:17-18
Genesis 17-26
Matthew 10:26-33
Matthew 26:26 - "¶ And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body."
Hechos 5, 17-26
Luke 5:17-26
Matthew 6:17
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 17:20
Matthew 22:26 - "Likewise the second also, and the third, unto the seventh."
Matthew 9:26 - "And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land."
Matthew 26:54 - "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?"
Matthew 26:6 - "¶ Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,"