Mark 14:15

KJV

And he will shew you a large upper room furnished [and] prepared: there make ready for us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he {G846} will shew {G1166} you {G5213} a large {G3173} upper room {G508} furnished {G4766} and prepared {G2092}: there {G1563} make ready {G2090} for us {G2254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He will show you a large room upstairs, furnished and ready. Make the preparations there."

Berean Standard Bible

And he will show you a large upper room, furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.”

American Standard Version

And he will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready: and there make ready for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Mark 14:15 records Jesus' divinely inspired instructions to His disciples for securing the location of the Last Supper, the Passover meal that would become a pivotal moment in salvation history. This verse highlights Jesus' profound foreknowledge and sovereign control over the unfolding events of His Passion, ensuring that the sacred meal, which foreshadowed His ultimate sacrifice, took place in a fitting and prepared setting, underscoring the meticulous precision of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of Jesus' final preparations for the Passover, immediately following the disciples' query in [Mark 14:12](/mark/14-12 "Mark 14:12 - Disciples Ask About Passover Preparation") about where they should prepare the meal. Jesus' response, detailed in [Mark 14:13-16](/mark/14-13-16 "Mark 14:13-16 - Jesus' Instructions for the Passover"), is remarkably precise, involving a seemingly random encounter with a man carrying a water pitcher, a sign that would lead them to a specific house and a pre-arranged "large upper room." This sequence sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper, the betrayal by Judas, and Jesus' arrest, all of which immediately follow this preparatory act. The meticulous detail underscores the divine orchestration of these crucial events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover was one of the most significant annual Jewish festivals, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and God's deliverance of Israel. It involved a ritual meal (the Seder) eaten within the city of Jerusalem, typically by families or groups of friends. Given the massive influx of pilgrims to Jerusalem for Passover, finding a suitable, unreserved space for such a meal would have been challenging. Upper rooms (ἀνάγαιον, _anōgeon_) were common in larger homes, often serving as private dining areas or guest rooms, providing more privacy and space than ground-floor rooms. The mention of it being "furnished and prepared" suggests a host who was either expecting them or had made arrangements for such a gathering, perhaps a secret sympathizer or someone divinely prompted. The act of reclining at table, implied by the "furnished" room, was customary for formal meals, including the Passover Seder, signifying a posture of freedom and rest.
* **Key Themes:** Mark 14:15 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Gospel of Mark and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating Jesus' omniscience and sovereign control over circumstances, even the seemingly mundane details of finding a room for a meal. This theme is consistent with other instances where Jesus displays supernatural knowledge, such as knowing [Nathanael under the fig tree](/john/1-48 "John 1:48 - Jesus Knows Nathanael") or [the coin in the fish's mouth](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - The Coin in the Fish's Mouth"). Secondly, it highlights the **Preparation for Sacred Moments**, emphasizing the importance of setting aside a suitable and dedicated space for significant spiritual encounters, particularly the institution of the New Covenant meal. This prefigures the reverence due to the Lord's Supper, a sacrament that continues to be observed by believers. Finally, the disciples' unquestioning **Obedience and Trust** in following Jesus' unusual instructions exemplifies their faith, allowing God's predetermined plan for salvation to unfold precisely as intended, leading to the events of [Jesus' Passion](/mark/14-17-15-47 "Mark 14:17-15:47 - The Passion Narrative").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Upper room (Greek, _anōgeon'_):** Derived from "above" (ἄνω) and "earth/ground" (γῆ), this term specifically denotes an upstairs room, often the second floor of a building. In ancient Jewish homes, these rooms were frequently used for dining, prayer, or special gatherings due to their privacy and often larger size. Its selection for the Passover meal underscores the significance and intimacy of the event.
* **Furnished (Greek, _strṓnnymi'_):** This verb means "to strew" or "to spread," implying that the room was not merely empty but had been prepared with couches or mats for reclining, which was the customary posture for a formal meal like the Passover Seder. The term conveys a sense of readiness and comfort, indicating that the space was specifically set up for a feast.
* **Prepared (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** This adjective signifies "ready" or "adjusted." When paired with "furnished," it emphasizes that the room was not only equipped with the necessary furniture but was also fully arranged and awaiting their arrival. It suggests a state of complete readiness, perhaps even indicating a divine pre-arrangement where no further effort was required from the disciples to make the space suitable.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he will shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared:"** This clause reveals Jesus' detailed foreknowledge and the specific nature of the location. The "large upper room" (ἀνάγαιον μέγα, _anōgeon mega_) indicates a spacious setting, suitable for a significant gathering, which was crucial for the Last Supper. The description "furnished and prepared" (ἐστρωμένον ἕτοιμον, _estrōmenon hetoimon_) signifies that the room was not only equipped with dining couches but was also fully arranged and ready for immediate use, highlighting the meticulous divine provision.
* **"there make ready for us."** This is Jesus' direct command to the disciples. The adverb "there" (ἐκεῖ, _ekeî_) points to the specific, divinely designated location. "Make ready" (ἑτοιμάζω, _hetoimázō_) is a command for the disciples to complete the final preparations for the Passover meal itself, such as bringing the lamb, unleavened bread, wine, and bitter herbs. This instruction underscores the disciples' role in participating in God's plan through their obedience, even as the larger setting was supernaturally provided.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:15 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Foreshadowing** is evident as the preparation of this specific room sets the stage for the Last Supper, an event that profoundly foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death and the New Covenant. The detailed instructions given by Jesus demonstrate **Divine Omniscience**, highlighting His supernatural knowledge of future events and seemingly random encounters, reinforcing His divine authority. The "large upper room" itself functions as **Symbolism**, representing a sacred space divinely appointed for a pivotal moment in salvation history, a place of intimacy and revelation before the ultimate sacrifice. Finally, the verse is structured as a clear **Instruction or Command**, emphasizing the disciples' role in obediently participating in God's unfolding plan, even when the reasons for the specific directions are not immediately apparent.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:15 is rich with theological implications, primarily underscoring God's meticulous providence and sovereign control over history, particularly in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The divine arrangement of the "large upper room" for the Last Supper signifies that even the seemingly minor details of Jesus' life and ministry were orchestrated by God. This pre-arranged setting for the New Covenant meal highlights the sacredness and intentionality of Christ's sacrifice, demonstrating that His death was not an accident but a pre-ordained act of divine love. It also speaks to God's faithful provision for His people, ensuring that the necessary resources and circumstances are in place for His will to be accomplished. The verse implicitly connects the Old Covenant Passover, celebrated in this upper room, with the New Covenant established through Christ's body and blood, signifying a transition and fulfillment.

* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Lord Directs the Steps of the Righteous")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - A Man's Heart Plans His Way, But the Lord Directs His Steps")
* [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - God Works All Things According to His Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mark 14:15 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and purposes. Just as Jesus had a specific, prepared place for His disciples to partake in a foundational meal, God often goes before us, preparing circumstances, opportunities, and provisions for our journey. This verse encourages a deep trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His guidance seems unconventional or requires a step of faith into the unknown. It calls us to cultivate an attitude of readiness and expectation, recognizing that God is constantly working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes through us and in our lives. Furthermore, the emphasis on a "furnished and prepared" room for a sacred gathering underscores the importance of intentionality and reverence in our own spiritual practices, whether in personal devotion, corporate worship, or participating in the sacraments. We are invited to prepare our hearts and spaces to meet with God, recognizing the sacredness of His presence and His ongoing work in our midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' detailed foreknowledge in Mark 14:15 challenge or strengthen your understanding of God's providence in your own life?**
* **In what ways can you intentionally "prepare" a space, whether physical or spiritual, for deeper communion with God in your daily life?**
* **What specific "unconventional instructions" might God be giving you today that require a step of trusting obedience, similar to the disciples following the man with the water pitcher?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for the room to be "large, furnished, and prepared"?**

Answer: The description "large, furnished, and prepared" (μέγα ἐστρωμένον ἕτοιμον, _mega estrōmenon hetoimon_) is significant for several reasons. "Large" (μέγα, _mega_) indicates it was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate Jesus and the twelve disciples, crucial for a significant communal meal. "Furnished" (ἐστρωμένον, _estrōmenon_) implies it was equipped with dining couches or mats, customary for a formal meal like the Passover Seder, allowing for the traditional reclining posture. "Prepared" (ἕτοιμον, _hetoimon_) suggests it was fully ready for immediate use, requiring no further arrangement by the disciples. This meticulous detail underscores the divine orchestration of the event, ensuring that the setting for the institution of the Lord's Supper was fitting, reverent, and perfectly aligned with God's pre-ordained plan for this pivotal moment in salvation history. It highlights God's intentionality and provision for sacred encounters.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:15, with its focus on the preparation of the upper room for the Passover, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ Himself. The "large upper room, furnished and prepared," serves as a physical space for the institution of the New Covenant, where Jesus transforms the ancient Passover meal into a prophetic act pointing to His own sacrifice. Here, Jesus takes the bread and the cup, declaring them to be His body, broken for us, and His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins, establishing a [new covenant in His blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"). This act fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, where the Passover lamb's blood protected Israel, by presenting Jesus as the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). The prepared room symbolizes the prepared way for humanity's reconciliation with God through Christ's atoning work. Just as the room was made ready for the disciples, Christ Himself has gone to [prepare a place for us](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Us") in His Father's house, inviting all who believe to partake in the eternal feast of salvation, a communion made possible by His finished work on the cross and His resurrection, which is the ultimate fulfillment of all God's promises.

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

Acts 1:13

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.

Acts 20:8

And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

John 2:24

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all [men],

John 2:25

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

Proverbs 16:1

¶ The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, [is] from the LORD.

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.

2 Chronicles 6:30

Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:)