Luke 22:8

KJV

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he sent {G649} Peter {G4074} and {G2532} John {G2491}, saying {G2036}, Go {G4198} and prepare {G2090} us {G2254} the passover {G3957}, that {G2443} we may eat {G5315}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua sent Kefa and Yochanan, instructing them, “Go and prepare our Seder, so we can eat.”

Berean Standard Bible

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover.”

American Standard Version

And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and make ready for us the passover, that we may eat.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:8 records Jesus' precise instructions to Peter and John to prepare the Passover meal, a pivotal moment that precedes the institution of the Lord's Supper. This seemingly simple command underscores Jesus' divine foresight and intentionality as He orchestrates the events leading to His ultimate sacrifice, transforming a centuries-old tradition into a profound symbol of the New Covenant established through His body and blood.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Luke's account of Jesus' final Passover, which quickly transitions into the Last Supper and His betrayal. The preceding verses (Luke 22:1-6) detail the chief priests and scribes plotting to kill Jesus, and Judas Iscariot's agreement to betray Him. Immediately following Luke 22:8, Jesus gives Peter and John remarkably specific, almost prophetic, instructions for finding the upper room where they are to prepare the meal (Luke 22:9-13). This meticulous preparation sets the stage for the solemn and significant events of the Last Supper, where Jesus will reinterpret the Passover elements in light of His impending death and resurrection, establishing the New Covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the most significant annual festivals in Judaism, commemorating God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, particularly the "passing over" of Israelite homes by the angel of death (Exodus 12:1-28). It was celebrated on the 14th day of the month of Nisan, followed immediately by the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Preparation for the Passover meal was meticulous, involving the removal of all leaven from homes, the ritual slaughter of a lamb at the Temple, and a communal meal eaten within family groups or designated gatherings. Jesus, as a faithful Jew, observed this tradition, but His final Passover meal would imbue it with new, ultimate meaning, shifting its focus from the historical deliverance from Egypt to the spiritual deliverance from sin through His own sacrifice.
* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:8 contributes to several overarching themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foresight**, as Jesus demonstrates His complete knowledge of the unfolding events, even providing detailed instructions for the location of the Passover meal (Luke 22:10-12). This underscores His active control and purposeful movement towards His atoning work, rather than being a passive victim of circumstances. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Obedience and Service** from the disciples. Peter and John, two prominent figures among the Twelve, readily obey Jesus' command, undertaking the practical preparations for this sacred meal. Their willingness to serve exemplifies faithful discipleship and participation in God's redemptive plan. Finally, this preparation points to **Fulfillment and Transformation**, as the traditional Passover meal is about to be transformed into the foundational act of the [New Covenant](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). Jesus does not abolish the old covenant but fulfills and reinterprets it through His own body and blood, giving the ancient feast a profound new meaning for all believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sent (Greek, _apostéllō'_):** This verb signifies "to send out, properly, on a mission." It implies an intentional dispatching with authority and purpose. Jesus is not merely asking Peter and John to run an errand; He is commissioning them for a specific, divinely ordained task, underscoring the importance and sacred nature of the preparation for the Passover meal.
* **prepare (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "ready," this verb means "to make ready, to provide, to make preparations." It conveys a sense of meticulousness and thoroughness required for an important event. The preparation for the Passover was elaborate and ritualistic, involving specific actions like the removal of leaven and the ritual slaughter of the lamb, all of which Peter and John would oversee.
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** This term, of Chaldean origin (related to Hebrew _pesach_), refers not only to the meal itself but also to the entire festival, the day, and the special sacrifices associated with it. It represents the central act of remembrance for Israel's deliverance from Egypt. In this context, it is the specific sacrificial meal that Jesus and His disciples are about to partake in, which Jesus will then transform into the new memorial of His own sacrifice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent Peter and John,"**: This opening clause highlights Jesus' initiative and authority. By specifically sending these two prominent disciples, Jesus underscores the importance of the task and His trust in them. The verb "sent" (apostéllō) implies a commissioning for a significant mission, setting the tone for the profound events that are about to unfold.
* **"saying, "Go and prepare us the passover,"**: Jesus issues a direct command to His disciples. The imperative "Go" (poreúomai) signifies movement and action, while "prepare" (hetoimázō) emphasizes the necessary, detailed arrangements for the sacred Passover meal. The phrase "us the passover" indicates that this is a communal meal for Jesus and His disciples, a final gathering before His passion.
* **"that we may eat."**: This concluding phrase states the clear purpose of the preparation: to partake in the meal. The Greek word for "that" (hína) denotes purpose or result, emphasizing the intentionality behind Jesus' command. The act of eating the Passover meal is central to its commemorative and symbolic significance, and in this context, it sets the stage for Jesus to redefine its meaning through His own body and blood.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:8, though seemingly straightforward, employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the preparation for the traditional Passover meal subtly anticipates the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the true Passover Lamb. The meticulous instructions for the meal's setting (Luke 22:10-12) also **foreshadow** Jesus' divine knowledge and control over the unfolding events, even amidst the plots against Him. **Symbolism** is inherent in the very act of preparing the Passover, which itself is a deeply symbolic ritual. Here, it serves as a bridge between the old covenant's remembrance of deliverance and the new covenant's promise of ultimate redemption through Christ. The inclusion of Peter and John, two key disciples, can also be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these two represent the broader group of disciples who are called to participate in and bear witness to Jesus' ministry and the establishment of the New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:8 serves as a crucial theological hinge, connecting the Old Testament's sacrificial system and the Passover observance to their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The preparation of the Passover meal, a ritual commemorating Israel's liberation from slavery through the blood of a lamb, is about to be transformed by Jesus into the institution of the Lord's Supper. This act signifies that Jesus Himself is the true Lamb of God, whose shed blood brings about a greater, spiritual liberation from sin and death. The verse highlights the continuity and discontinuity between the covenants, showing how God's redemptive plan, foreshadowed for centuries, culminates in Christ's atoning work. It underscores the profound truth that salvation is not merely a historical remembrance but a present reality made possible through Christ's sacrificial love and the establishment of the New Covenant.

* [Exodus 12:21-27](/exodus/12-21-27 "The Institution of the Passover in Egypt")
* [1 Corinthians 11:23-26](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "Paul's Account of the Lord's Supper")
* [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:8 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, inviting us to consider the intentionality and purpose behind our own spiritual preparations. Just as Jesus meticulously orchestrated the details of the Passover meal that would become the Last Supper, so too are our lives called to be lived with purpose and readiness for God's work. This verse reminds us that even seemingly mundane tasks, when performed in obedience to Christ, can be integral parts of God's grand redemptive plan. Peter and John's willingness to "go and prepare" exemplifies humble service and faithful response to divine instruction. For us, this translates into being prepared to serve, to listen, and to obey, recognizing that God often uses our practical obedience to accomplish His will. It challenges us to approach our spiritual disciplines, acts of service, and participation in corporate worship with the same reverence and intentionality with which Jesus approached this pivotal meal, understanding that every moment can be a sacred opportunity to encounter and glorify God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to "prepare" or "make ready" for His work?**
* **How does the example of Peter and John's obedience inspire your own willingness to serve, even in seemingly ordinary tasks?**
* **What does Jesus' intentionality in preparing this meal teach you about His character and His approach to His mission?**
* **How can you approach your participation in the Lord's Supper (or other spiritual disciplines) with greater intentionality and understanding of its profound significance?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus send Peter and John specifically, and what was involved in "preparing the Passover"?**

Answer: Jesus likely sent Peter and John, two of His most prominent disciples, for several reasons. Firstly, it underscored the importance of the task, elevating it beyond a simple errand. As key leaders, their involvement would lend gravity to the preparations. Secondly, it might have been a practical measure to avoid drawing attention to the location, as Jesus later gives them specific, almost coded, instructions to find the upper room (Luke 22:10-12). Preparing the Passover was a detailed and significant undertaking. It involved first ensuring the house was free of leaven, as per the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Then, it required taking the Passover lamb to the Temple for ritual slaughter by the priests. Finally, the lamb, along with bitter herbs, unleavened bread, and wine, would be brought to the designated room to be roasted and set for the communal meal, all according to Jewish custom (Exodus 12:8-11).

**What is the significance of "eating" the Passover in this context?**

Answer: The act of "eating" the Passover meal was central to its commemorative purpose. It was not just a historical remembrance but a participatory act that allowed each generation to identify with the deliverance from Egypt. By eating the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs, participants ritually re-enacted and internalized the story of their salvation. In Luke 22:8, the command "that we may eat" sets the stage for Jesus to transform this ancient ritual. He would soon take the bread and wine, giving them new meaning as His body and blood, thereby re-interpreting the act of "eating" to signify participation in the [New Covenant](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - The Lord's Supper"). This transformed meal would become the central act of Christian worship, inviting believers to partake in the spiritual reality of Christ's sacrifice and the benefits of His atoning work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:8, though a simple command, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. The preparation of the Passover meal, an ancient shadow of God's redemptive work, finds its ultimate substance in Jesus Himself. The very lamb that Peter and John were sent to prepare for the meal foreshadowed the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus, through His impending sacrifice, would become the fulfillment of every Passover lamb, offering His own body and blood as the perfect, once-for-all atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). The meal they prepared would then be reinterpreted by Jesus, transforming the elements of bread and wine into symbols of His broken body and shed blood, establishing the [New Covenant](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). Thus, the command to "prepare us the passover" is not merely about a historical observance, but about setting the stage for the climactic event of redemptive history, where Christ Himself becomes the Passover, ushering in an era of grace and a new relationship with God for all who believe (1 Corinthians 5:7).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Mark 14:13

And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.

Mark 14:16

And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Matthew 3:15

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Acts 3:11

And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

Acts 8:14

¶ Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Galatians 4:4

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,