And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
MARK 14:12KJVWhat does Mark 14:12 mean?
Mark 14:12 describes how, on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread—when the Passover lamb was traditionally killed—Jesus’ disciples asked him where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal for him. The verse shows the disciples taking initiative to make arrangements for this important Jewish festival.
In this scene, the disciples are speaking directly to Jesus as the group prepares to observe Passover in Jerusalem. The timing is significant: the “first day of unleavened bread” refers to the start of a major Jewish festival, and “when they killed the passover” points to the day when lambs were sacrificed for the meal. The question from the disciples sets the stage for the Last Supper, which will soon follow in the narrative.
The Greek behind Mark 14:12
- ἡμέρα (hēmera, “day”): This word highlights the specific timing, marking the start of the festival and showing the disciples’ awareness of Jewish customs.
- πάσχα (pascha, “passover”): This term refers both to the lamb that was sacrificed and the meal itself, underscoring the religious importance of what Jesus and his disciples are about to do.
- ἑτοιμάζω (hetoimazō, “prepare”): The Greek word here means to make ready or arrange, showing the disciples’ practical role in getting things set up for the Passover celebration.
Why Mark 14:12 matters
- Mark 14:12 clarifies the timeline of events leading up to Jesus’ final meal with his disciples, connecting the story to a major Jewish festival.
- The verse shows the disciples’ respect for tradition and their care in making sure everything is ready for Jesus to celebrate Passover.
- This moment introduces the preparations for the Last Supper, which becomes a central event in the story of Jesus’ final hours.