This verse sets the stage for the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the Christian faith. Let's break it down:
"Now on the first day of unleavened bread...": This refers to the beginning of the Passover week, specifically the first day that unleavened bread was eaten. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was closely associated with Passover, and sometimes the terms were used interchangeably. The day was significant because it marked the start of a week-long observance commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. They left so quickly that they didn't have time for their bread to rise, hence the unleavened bread.
"...the disciples came to Jesus...": The disciples, Jesus' close followers, are initiating a conversation with him.
"...saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”": This is the core of the verse. The disciples are asking Jesus where he wants to celebrate the Passover meal. Preparing for Passover involved securing a location, gathering the necessary food (lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, wine), and ensuring everything was ritually clean. It was a significant undertaking, so the disciples were seeking Jesus' instructions.
In essence, this verse means that as the Passover festival began, the disciples approached Jesus to ask him about the location for their Passover meal, indicating they were ready to make the necessary preparations. This verse is important because it leads directly into the Last Supper narrative, where Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.
This verse sets the stage for the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the Christian faith. Let's break it down:
"Now on the first day of unleavened bread...": This refers to the beginning of the Passover week, specifically the first day that unleavened bread was eaten. The Feast of Unleavened Bread was closely associated with Passover, and sometimes the terms were used interchangeably. The day was significant because it marked the start of a week-long observance commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. They left so quickly that they didn't have time for their bread to rise, hence the unleavened bread.
"...the disciples came to Jesus...": The disciples, Jesus' close followers, are initiating a conversation with him.
"...saying to him, “Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”": This is the core of the verse. The disciples are asking Jesus where he wants to celebrate the Passover meal. Preparing for Passover involved securing a location, gathering the necessary food (lamb, unleavened bread, bitter herbs, wine), and ensuring everything was ritually clean. It was a significant undertaking, so the disciples were seeking Jesus' instructions.
In essence, this verse means that as the Passover festival began, the disciples approached Jesus to ask him about the location for their Passover meal, indicating they were ready to make the necessary preparations. This verse is important because it leads directly into the Last Supper narrative, where Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples before his crucifixion.