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 26:17KJVWhat does Matthew 26:17 mean?
Matthew 26:17 describes how, on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, Jesus’ disciples came to him and asked where he wanted them to prepare the Passover meal for him. The verse shows the disciples taking the initiative to make arrangements for this important Jewish festival.
In this setting, the disciples are speaking directly to Jesus as the Passover approaches—a major annual event for Jewish people, commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. The question highlights the disciples’ respect for Jesus’ wishes and their role in making practical preparations for the meal that would become the Last Supper.
The Greek behind Matthew 26:17
- The word for “first” (πρῶτος, prōtos) often means “foremost” or “beginning,” which in this context refers to the start of the festival period, not necessarily the very first calendar day.
- The word for “Passover” (πάσχα, pascha) refers specifically to the Passover meal, which was central to Jewish identity and worship, underscoring the significance of what Jesus and his disciples were about to do.
- The word for “prepare” (ἑτοιμάζω, hetoimazō) means to make ready or set in order, showing that the disciples were responsible for the detailed arrangements, not just asking a general question.
Why Matthew 26:17 matters
- This verse clarifies that Jesus and his disciples were observing traditional Jewish customs, grounding the events of the Last Supper in their historical and religious context.
- It sets the stage for the events that follow, including Jesus’ final teachings and the institution of the Lord’s Supper, by showing the careful preparation that went into this pivotal meal.
- The disciples’ question highlights their dependence on Jesus’ direction, emphasizing his role as teacher and leader even in practical matters.