Mark 14:12

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the first {G4413} day {G2250} of unleavened bread {G106}, when {G3753} they killed {G2380} the passover {G3957}, his {G846} disciples {G3101} said {G3004} unto him {G846}, Where {G4226} wilt thou {G2309} that we go {G565} and prepare {G2090} that {G2443} thou mayest eat {G5315} the passover {G3957}?

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day for matzah, when they slaughtered the lamb for Pesach, Yeshua's talmidim asked him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare your Seder?"

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

American Standard Version

And on the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the passover, his disciples say unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and make ready that thou mayest eat the passover?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:12 records the disciples' practical question to Jesus regarding the preparation of the Passover meal, setting the immediate stage for the Last Supper. This seemingly simple query about where to observe the ancient Jewish festival marks a pivotal moment, transitioning the narrative from Jesus' public ministry to the intimate, final hours leading to His crucifixion and the institution of the New Covenant. It underscores the disciples' reliance on Jesus' instructions for fulfilling a sacred tradition, unaware that this particular Passover would be transformed by His ultimate sacrifice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:12 serves as the narrative's immediate gateway into the Passion Week, specifically the events surrounding the Last Supper. Preceding this verse, Jesus has been teaching in Jerusalem, facing growing opposition from religious leaders, and has just been anointed by a woman in Bethany (Mark 14:3-9), an act Jesus interprets as preparation for His burial. The plot to betray and arrest Jesus is already in motion (Mark 14:1-2, 10-11). The disciples' question about the Passover meal, therefore, is not an isolated detail but the crucial logistical setup for the most significant meal in human history, which will redefine the ancient Passover and inaugurate the New Covenant. This verse initiates the detailed account of Jesus' final hours, culminating in His crucifixion and resurrection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Hebrew: *Pesach*) was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, mandated by God to commemorate the miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). It was observed on the 14th day of the month of Nisan (Abib), when the Passover lamb was sacrificed in the Temple. The meal itself, partaken that evening, marked the beginning of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot), during which no leaven (chametz) was permitted in Jewish homes, symbolizing the haste of the Exodus and spiritual purity. Pilgrims from all over the Jewish world flocked to Jerusalem for this festival, making the city densely populated. The meticulous preparation, including the removal of leaven and the ritual slaughter of the lamb, was deeply ingrained in Jewish life and identity, making the disciples' concern for proper observance entirely natural and expected.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:12 contributes to several significant themes within Mark's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **Jesus' faithful observance of Jewish tradition**, demonstrating His commitment to the Law and the prophets, even as He prepares to fulfill their ultimate meaning ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Secondly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**, as Jesus' subsequent instructions (Mark 14:13-16) reveal His precise, almost prophetic, awareness of where and how the meal should be prepared, underscoring His control over unfolding events despite human machinations. Most profoundly, this verse serves as the immediate prelude to the **reinterpretation of the Passover** through the institution of the Lord's Supper. The ancient ritual of deliverance from Egypt is about to be transformed into the ultimate act of redemption through Jesus' body and blood, establishing a new covenant for the forgiveness of sins ([Mark 14:22-25](/mark/14-22-25 "Mark 14:22-25 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, the disciples' practical question sets the stage for a profound theological revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unleavened bread (Greek, _ázymos'_):** (G106) Derived from a negative particle and "leaven," this term literally means "without leaven." In the context of the Passover, it refers to the matzah, the flat, unrisen bread eaten during the festival. Symbolically, leaven often represents corruption or sin in Scripture, making "unleavened" a metaphor for purity and sincerity. Its mention here emphasizes the ritualistic cleanliness and spiritual preparation required for the Passover observance.
* **killed (Greek, _thýō'_):** (G2380) A primary verb meaning "to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke)," but by implication, "to sacrifice," often by fire. In this context, it specifically refers to the ritual slaughter of the Passover lamb. This word underscores the sacrificial nature of the Passover, pointing to the shedding of blood as central to the covenant and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus.
* **Passover (Greek, _páscha'_):** (G3957) Of Chaldean origin, this term refers to both the Passover lamb and the festival itself. It encapsulates the entire commemoration of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, highlighting the "passing over" of the angel of death. In Mark 14:12, it refers to the specific meal and the broader festival, serving as the central object of the disciples' preparation and Jesus' ultimate reinterpretation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the first day of unleavened bread,"**: This phrase establishes the precise timing of the events. While the Feast of Unleavened Bread officially began on the 15th of Nisan, the 14th of Nisan, the day the Passover lamb was sacrificed, was popularly considered the "first day" because the preparations for unleavened bread (removing all leaven) commenced, and the Passover meal itself transitioned into the seven-day feast.
* **"when they killed the passover,"**: This clause specifies the defining action of the day – the ritual slaughter of the Passover lambs at the Temple. This act was central to the observance, preceding the communal meal and serving as a vivid reminder of the original Passover night in Egypt, where the blood of a lamb protected Israelite households.
* **"his disciples said unto him,"**: This identifies the agents of the inquiry. The disciples, as faithful Jews, were aware of the approaching holy day and the necessity of its proper observance. Their initiative in asking reveals their commitment to tradition and their reliance on Jesus as their leader.
* **"Where wilt thou that we go and prepare"**: This is the core of the disciples' question. It expresses their desire to fulfill the requirements of the Passover but also their need for Jesus' specific direction. The phrase "wilt thou" (Greek, *thélō*) emphasizes their seeking of Jesus' will or preference, acknowledging His authority in the matter. "Prepare" (Greek, *hetoimázō*) refers to making all necessary arrangements for the meal, including securing a place, the lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs.
* **"that thou mayest eat the passover?"**: This final clause clarifies the purpose of their preparation. Their intention is to ensure that Jesus, their Master, can partake in the traditional Passover meal. This highlights their care for Him and their understanding of the importance of the ritual for their communal and spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:12, though seemingly straightforward, employs several subtle literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the seemingly mundane question about meal preparation immediately precedes the Last Supper, an event that will profoundly redefine the Passover. The disciples' query about preparing the "Passover" meal subtly **foreshadows** Jesus' role as the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice will inaugurate a new covenant. There is also a touch of **Dramatic Irony**: the disciples are focused on preparing a traditional meal, unaware that this very meal will be transformed into the Lord's Supper, a new institution that points directly to Jesus' impending death and resurrection. Their concern for a physical meal is juxtaposed with the spiritual reality that is about to unfold. Furthermore, the very mention of "Passover" carries immense **Symbolism**, connecting the ancient deliverance of Israel from bondage in Egypt to the greater spiritual deliverance from sin that Jesus is about to accomplish.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:12 stands as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the Old Covenant's sacrificial system to its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The Passover, an annual commemoration of God's redemptive act in Egypt, pointed forward to a greater redemption. The disciples' question about preparing this meal highlights the human expectation of continuing a sacred tradition, yet Jesus is about to transcend and transform that tradition. He is the true Passover Lamb, whose blood will not merely mark doorposts but will establish a new covenant in His own body and blood, providing a definitive and eternal atonement for sin. This verse thus initiates the narrative where the shadows of the Old Testament give way to the substance of Christ, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan, unfolded through centuries, perfectly culminates in Jesus' sacrificial death.

* [Exodus 12:21](/exodus/12-21 "Exodus 12:21 - Moses' Instructions for Passover")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")
* [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:12 invites us to consider the profound significance of preparation, both in our daily lives and in our spiritual walk. Just as the disciples diligently prepared for the Passover meal, we are called to prepare our hearts and minds for encountering God, whether in worship, communion, or service. This involves intentionality, seeking God's guidance, and being ready to follow His specific directives, even when they seem unconventional. The disciples' question, "Where wilt thou...?" reminds us to cultivate a posture of humble inquiry and obedience, trusting that God knows the perfect time and place for His purposes to unfold. Furthermore, this verse challenges us to look beyond the mere rituals or routines of our faith and grasp the deeper spiritual truths they represent. The Passover was a shadow; Christ is the reality. Our spiritual practices should always lead us to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Christ's redemptive work, transforming our participation from mere observance into profound encounters with God's grace and truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my approach to spiritual disciplines reflect intentional preparation for encountering God?**
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking God's specific direction, trusting His "where wilt thou" for my path?**
* **How can I move beyond mere religious routine to grasp the deeper, Christ-centered meaning of my faith practices?**

### FAQ

**Why is the "first day of unleavened bread" mentioned as the day "they killed the passover"?**

Answer: The Jewish calendar designated the 14th of Nisan for the Passover lamb's sacrifice, and the 15th of Nisan for the beginning of the seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread. However, in common parlance, the day of the Passover sacrifice was often considered the "first day" of the broader Passover festival, as the preparations for unleavened bread (removing all leaven) commenced, and the Passover meal itself (eaten on the evening of the 14th, which was the start of the 15th by Jewish reckoning) initiated the feast. Mark's phrasing reflects this popular understanding, emphasizing the critical moment of the lamb's sacrifice that preceded the meal ([Exodus 12:6](/exodus/12-6 "Exodus 12:6 - Time of Passover Sacrifice")). This colloquial usage bridges the two closely related observances, highlighting the entire Passover period.

**What is the significance of the disciples asking Jesus where to prepare?**

Answer: The disciples' question highlights their reliance on Jesus' leadership and their expectation that He would provide specific instructions for this crucial religious observance. It also subtly foreshadows Jesus' divine foreknowledge and authority, as He proceeds to give precise, almost prophetic, directions for finding the upper room ([Mark 14:13-16](/mark/14-13-16 "Mark 14:13-16 - Jesus' Detailed Instructions")). Their question, seemingly mundane, sets the stage for a divinely orchestrated event, demonstrating that even the logistical details of His final hours were under His sovereign control, not left to chance. It underscores their role as followers seeking His will, even for practical matters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:12, with its focus on preparing the Passover, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself as the ultimate Passover Lamb. The ancient festival, commemorating deliverance from physical bondage through the blood of a lamb, was a powerful type pointing to Christ's redemptive work. When the disciples ask where to prepare the Passover, they are unknowingly preparing for the very meal where Jesus will transform the symbols of the Old Covenant into the realities of the New. His body, broken like the unleavened bread, and His blood, poured out like the wine, become the true sacrifice that takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Paul explicitly declares, "For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), affirming that Jesus' death on the cross is the ultimate fulfillment of all the Passover foreshadowed. Thus, the seemingly simple preparations for a meal in Mark 14:12 lead directly to the institution of the Lord's Supper, where believers partake in the spiritual reality of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice, establishing a new covenant relationship with God through His shed blood ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the New Covenant")).

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

Exodus 12:18

In the first [month], on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even.

Exodus 12:6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Matthew 26:17

¶ 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 26:19

And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.

1 Corinthians 5:7

¶ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

1 Corinthians 5:8

Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened [bread] of sincerity and truth.

Numbers 28:16

¶ And in the fourteenth day of the first month [is] the passover of the LORD.