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 (KJV)

Context

Matthew 26:17 takes place during the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, immediately after Judas agreed to betray Him (Matthew 26:14-16) and just before the Last Supper. The verse records that on “the first day of the feast of unleavened bread,” the disciples came to Jesus asking where they should prepare the Passover meal for Him. This day marked the beginning of the seven-day Festival of Unleavened Bread, which followed the Passover sacrifice; by the first century, the terms were often used interchangeably for the entire festival.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread was one of the annual Jewish festivals, lasting seven days and commemorating the Israelites’ hasty departure from Egypt, when they did not have time to let their bread rise. During this feast, the people were commanded to eat unleavened bread, symbolizing the haste of their exodus. The Passover itself commemorated the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed and its blood applied to the doorposts so that the angel of death would pass over the homes of the obedient.

Meaning

In this verse, the disciples approached Jesus, asking Him where they should prepare for Him to eat the Passover. Their question shows their expectation that Jesus would observe the Passover and their willingness to serve by making preparations. It also implies that Jesus had made prior arrangements for the meal, demonstrating His foresight and divine knowledge of the events to come.

Jesus, being fully aware of the impending events, had prepared for the Passover meal. This highlights His sovereign control over the situation and His intention to fulfill Old Testament prophecies and institute the New Covenant through His impending death and resurrection. The disciples’ question also reflects a heart of service and readiness to follow Jesus’ direction, even in practical matters.

Biblical connections

The Passover meal had deep symbolism related to Jesus’ sacrificial death and the establishment of the Lord’s Supper or Communion. The unleavened bread represented His sinless body, while the wine represented His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins. The Passover lamb, traditionally sacrificed during the Passover, foreshadowed Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrificial Lamb of God.

The timing is significant: it was the day when Passover lambs were being prepared, pointing to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Jesus’ response in the following verse (Matthew 26:18) directs the disciples to a certain man in the city, saying “My time is at hand,” indicating His sovereign awareness of His impending death. The immediate context (Matthew 26:17-19) shows the disciples obeying Jesus’ instructions and preparing the Passover, leading to the institution of the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29).

Application

This verse underscores the importance of obedience in preparing for worship and the Lord’s provision of a place for His purposes. Just as the disciples asked where to prepare the Passover, believers today can seek the Lord’s direction in making practical preparations for worship and service. The disciples’ readiness to follow Jesus’ instructions, even in details, serves as a model for trusting His guidance in our own lives.

Reflection

By studying this verse, we gain insight into the historical context, the significance of the Passover, and Jesus’ intentional preparation for the observance of this meal. It also points us to the greater fulfillment of the Passover in Jesus’ sacrifice, which brings redemption and salvation to all who believe in Him.