Luke 22:9

KJV

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} they said {G2036} unto him {G846}, Where {G4226} wilt thou {G2309} that we prepare {G2090}?

Complete Jewish Bible

They asked him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”

Berean Standard Bible

“Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked.

American Standard Version

And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we make ready?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 22:9 captures the disciples' earnest inquiry to Jesus regarding the logistics of preparing the Passover meal, a pivotal moment preceding the Last Supper. This question, "Where wilt thou that we prepare?", reflects their readiness to obey Jesus' prior instruction to make ready for this sacred feast, highlighting their practical concern for fulfilling the command and setting the stage for Jesus' divinely guided instructions that would follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Jesus' directive in [Luke 22:8](/luke/22-8 "Jesus Sends Peter and John to Prepare the Passover") to Peter and John, instructing them to "go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat." Their question in verse 9 is a direct and necessary response, demonstrating their willingness to comply but also their need for specific guidance. The subsequent verses ([Luke 22:10-13](/luke/22-10-13 "Jesus' Detailed Instructions for the Upper Room")) reveal Jesus' precise, almost prophetic, instructions for finding the location, underscoring His divine foreknowledge and control over the unfolding events leading to His crucifixion. This dialogue is integral to the narrative of the Last Supper, setting the physical and spiritual scene for the institution of the New Covenant.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the most significant annual festivals in Judaism, commemorating the Israelites' miraculous deliverance from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Institution of the Passover"). It involved specific ritual preparations, including the removal of leaven, the sacrifice of a lamb, and the consumption of bitter herbs and unleavened bread. Families and groups would gather in Jerusalem to observe the feast. Given the large crowds during Passover, finding suitable accommodations and preparation spaces was a practical challenge. The disciples' question reflects this logistical reality, seeking clarity on where they could properly observe the ritual requirements in a city bustling with pilgrims.

* **Key Themes:** Luke 22:9 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel of Luke and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**, as Peter and John promptly respond to Jesus' command, demonstrating their commitment to following His instructions. It also subtly reinforces **Jesus' Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as He already knows the specific location and provides detailed directions, even before the disciples ask. Furthermore, the meticulous preparation for the Passover meal foreshadows the profound **Sacred Significance of the Last Supper**, where Jesus would reinterpret the ancient Passover rituals through His own body and blood, instituting the [New Covenant](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood") and transforming the meal into a memorial of His ultimate sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **said (Greek, _épō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to speak or say" by word. In this context, it indicates a direct verbal communication from the disciples to Jesus, conveying their readiness to act coupled with their need for specific instruction. It's not a casual utterance but a purposeful inquiry.
* **wilt thou (Greek, _thélō'_):** Derived from a root implying active option from subjective impulse, _thélō_ denotes a strong desire, choice, or preference. Here, it emphasizes the disciples' deference to Jesus' will and authority. They are not suggesting a location but asking for His specific, desired place for the preparation, acknowledging His leadership in this crucial event.
* **prepare (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This verb means "to make ready," "to get ready," or "to prepare thoroughly." It implies a complete and careful readiness for an event or task. The disciples' use of this word indicates their intention to meticulously fulfill all the necessary requirements for the Passover meal, not merely to perform a perfunctory task.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto him,"**: This opening phrase connects the disciples' response directly to Jesus' preceding command in [Luke 22:8](/luke/22-8 "Jesus Sends Peter and John"). "They" refers specifically to Peter and John, whom Jesus had just sent. Their immediate verbal response signifies their acceptance of the task and their engagement with Jesus' instructions.
* **"Where wilt thou"**: This is the core of their question, demonstrating their submission to Jesus' authority and their desire to align their actions with His specific will. The interrogative "Where" highlights the practical need for a location, while "wilt thou" (from _thélō_) emphasizes that the choice rests entirely with Jesus. They are not proposing options but seeking His divine directive.
* **"that we prepare?"**: This final clause clarifies the purpose of their inquiry: they are ready to undertake the necessary preparations for the Passover meal. The verb "prepare" (from _hetoimázō_) suggests a thorough and diligent effort, indicating their commitment to ensuring the meal is ready according to all requirements. The question mark underscores their request for specific guidance to fulfill their assigned task faithfully.

#### Literary Devices
Luke 22:9 employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Dialogue**, presenting a direct exchange between the disciples and Jesus. This immediate back-and-forth highlights the disciples' active participation and their dependence on Jesus' guidance. There is also an element of **Implied Obedience**, as the disciples' question itself confirms their willingness to follow Jesus' command from the previous verse. Their seeking of specific instructions, rather than questioning the command itself, underscores their submissive posture. Furthermore, the seemingly mundane logistical query serves as **Foreshadowing** for Jesus' divine foreknowledge, which is dramatically revealed in the subsequent verses as He provides remarkably precise details about finding the upper room, hinting at His supernatural awareness and control over circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 22:9, while brief, is rich in theological implications, underscoring the nature of discipleship and divine guidance. The disciples' question, "Where wilt thou that we prepare?", exemplifies a posture of humble inquiry and readiness to serve, acknowledging Jesus' authority and seeking His precise will. This moment highlights that true obedience often involves not just willingness but also seeking clear direction from the Lord, trusting that He has a specific plan and purpose for every task. It also subtly points to Jesus' divine sovereignty, as He is not caught off guard by their question but already possesses the foreknowledge to provide exact instructions, demonstrating His control over even the seemingly ordinary details of His redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart") - "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "Ask God for Wisdom") - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
* [Psalm 32:8](/psalms/32-8 "God's Guidance and Instruction") - "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 22:9 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, inviting us to reflect on our own posture in discipleship. Just as Peter and John sought specific guidance from Jesus, we too are called to humbly inquire of the Lord when faced with tasks, decisions, or uncertainties in our lives. Our readiness to serve must be coupled with a desire for divine direction, recognizing that God's ways are often higher than our own. This verse encourages us to move beyond mere willingness to active seeking of God's will, trusting that He will provide the necessary "where" and "how" for our obedience. It reminds us that even in the seemingly mundane aspects of life, God's sovereignty is at work, orchestrating details for His greater purposes. Our role is to be attentive, responsive, and expectant of His guidance, knowing that He desires to lead us in paths that glorify Him and advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I currently seeking God's specific guidance, rather than relying on my own understanding?**
* **How does my readiness to serve Christ manifest in my willingness to ask for clear direction, even when the task seems straightforward?**
* **What does this verse teach me about trusting God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, even when I don't know the full details of His plan?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater posture of humble inquiry and dependence on Jesus in my daily walk?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the disciples asking "Where wilt thou that we prepare?"**

Answer: The question signifies several important aspects. First, it demonstrates their **obedience and readiness** to fulfill Jesus' command to prepare the Passover meal, indicating they are not questioning the *what* but the *where*. Second, it highlights their **dependence on Jesus' authority and guidance**, acknowledging that He has a specific plan and location in mind. Third, it sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His **divine foreknowledge**, as He subsequently provides remarkably precise instructions for finding the upper room ([Luke 22:10-12](/luke/22-10-12 "Jesus' Detailed Instructions for the Upper Room")), subtly underscoring His control over all events, even the logistical details leading up to His passion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 22:9, with its focus on preparing the Passover meal, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the true Passover Lamb. The disciples' question about *where* to prepare points to the sacred space where Jesus would inaugurate the New Covenant, transforming the ancient Jewish feast into a memorial of His own redemptive work. Every detail of that Passover preparation, from the chosen location to the unleavened bread and wine, was divinely orchestrated to foreshadow Jesus' imminent sacrifice. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood marks us for salvation, just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected Israel. The preparation for the meal points to the ultimate preparation for our salvation, accomplished through Christ's body broken and blood shed on the cross. His words, "This is my body, which is given for you" and "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you" ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Institution of the Lord's Supper")), reveal that He is the fulfillment of all that the Passover anticipated. Through Him, we are not merely delivered from physical bondage but from the spiritual slavery of sin, entering into a new and eternal covenant sealed by His perfect sacrifice, as beautifully articulated in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice").

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.