Matthew 26:17 – “On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse marks the beginning of the events surrounding the Last Supper. The disciples approach Jesus to ask where they should prepare for the Passover meal. The Passover was one of the most significant Jewish festivals, commemorating God’s deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. It was celebrated with a meal that included unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and a lamb, all of which symbolized elements of the Exodus story.
The disciples’ question shows their readiness to obey Jesus and honor the traditions of their faith. At the same time, this moment sets the stage for Jesus to redefine the meaning of Passover, as He would soon reveal Himself as the true Passover Lamb who takes away the sins of the world.
Historical Context
The Festival of Unleavened Bread began on the evening of the Passover and lasted for seven days (Exodus 12:14-20). During this time, the Jewish people removed all leaven (yeast) from their homes as a reminder of their hasty departure from Egypt, when there was no time to let bread rise.
In first-century Jerusalem, the city was filled with pilgrims who had come to celebrate Passover, making it a bustling and crowded place. The preparation for the Passover meal involved finding a suitable location, obtaining the necessary food items, and ensuring everything was ceremonially clean.
This moment also carried deep spiritual significance, as it was the final Passover meal Jesus would share with His disciples before His crucifixion.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the importance of obedience and preparation in the life of faith. The disciples’ willingness to prepare the Passover reflects their trust in Jesus and their commitment to honoring God’s commands.
More importantly, this verse points to Jesus as the fulfillment of the Passover. Just as the original Passover lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood would bring eternal salvation to all who believe in Him. This connection between the Old Testament Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice underscores God’s redemptive plan throughout history.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “on the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread” situates this verse in a specific historical and cultural context, grounding the narrative in Jewish tradition. The disciples’ question introduces a sense of anticipation, as the reader knows that this meal will be more than just a traditional Passover—it will be the setting for the institution of the Lord’s Supper.
The verse also highlights Jesus’ role as a teacher and leader, with the disciples looking to Him for guidance and direction.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:14-20: Instructions for observing the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread.
- Luke 22:7-8: A parallel account where Jesus explicitly sends Peter and John to make preparations for the Passover.
- John 1:29: John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, connecting Him to the Passover lamb.
- 1 Corinthians 5:7: Paul refers to Christ as “our Passover lamb.”
- Matthew 26:26-28: Jesus redefines the Passover meal by instituting the Lord’s Supper, pointing to His body and blood as the new covenant.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation in worship and faith. Just as the disciples prepared for the Passover, believers are called to prepare their hearts to receive and honor Jesus. This might include regular prayer, repentance, and reflection on His sacrifice.
The verse also encourages Christians to see the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises and the true Passover Lamb.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in providing a way for His people to remember His faithfulness and deliverance. The Passover was a sign of God’s covenant with Israel, and Jesus’ sacrifice fulfills and extends that covenant to all humanity. God’s love is seen in His desire to rescue His people and provide them with a tangible reminder of His saving grace.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse directly ties to Jesus’ identity and mission. By preparing for the Passover meal, Jesus aligns Himself with the sacrificial lamb that protected the Israelites in Egypt. His upcoming death would accomplish a far greater deliverance—not from physical slavery but from sin and death.
The preparations for the Passover also set the stage for the institution of the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus explains the significance of His body and blood as the foundation of the new covenant.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to prepare your heart for worship and communion with Jesus?
- What does the connection between the Passover and Jesus’ sacrifice teach you about God’s redemptive plan?
- How can you demonstrate obedience and trust in Jesus, like the disciples did in preparing for the Passover?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus is the true Passover Lamb?
- How can reflecting on the significance of the Passover deepen your understanding of Jesus’ sacrifice?