Matthew 26:17

KJV

¶ 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?

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the first {G4413} day of the feast of unleavened bread {G106} the disciples {G3101} came {G4334} to Jesus {G2424}, saying {G3004} unto him {G846}, Where {G4226} wilt thou {G2309} that we prepare {G2090} for thee {G4671} to eat {G5315} the passover {G3957}?

Complete Jewish Bible

On the first day for matzah, the talmidim came to Yeshua and asked, "Where do you want us to prepare your Seder?"

Berean Standard Bible

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

American Standard Version

Now on the firstdayof unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, Where wilt thou that we make ready for thee to eat the passover?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:17 marks a pivotal moment in the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, initiating the preparations for what would become known as the Last Supper. This verse sets the scene for the most significant meal in Christian history, highlighting the disciples' readiness to follow Jesus' instructions concerning the celebration of the Passover. It underscores Jesus' divine foreknowledge and the disciples' obedience in fulfilling this sacred Jewish tradition, serving as a crucial prelude to the institution of the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 26:17 immediately follows Jesus' solemn declaration that the Passover is two days away and He will be betrayed and crucified ([Matthew 26:1-2](/matthew/26-1-2 "Matthew 26:1-2 - Jesus Predicts His Death")). This stark prophecy of His impending suffering creates a dramatic backdrop for the disciples' practical question about the Passover preparations. The verse then leads directly into Jesus' specific, almost prophetic, instructions for securing a location for the meal ([Matthew 26:18-19](/matthew/26-18-19 "Matthew 26:18-19 - Preparations for the Passover")), which culminates in the institution of the Lord's Supper ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")) and the subsequent betrayal by Judas. Thus, Matthew 26:17 functions as a critical narrative bridge, seamlessly connecting Jesus' foreknowledge of His passion with the actual events that initiate it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The phrase "the first day of the feast of unleavened bread" refers to the time when leaven (yeast) was removed from Jewish homes in preparation for the Passover meal. According to Jewish law, the Passover lamb was sacrificed on the 14th of Nisan, and the Passover meal was eaten that evening, marking the beginning of the 15th of Nisan. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Hag HaMatzot) officially commenced on the 15th of Nisan and lasted for seven days, during which only unleavened bread (matzah) was consumed. While technically distinct, the entire eight-day period (14th-21st Nisan) was often colloquially referred to as "Passover" or "the Feast of Unleavened Bread" due to their close association and overlapping observances. The disciples' question reflects their adherence to this annual pilgrimage festival, which commemorated God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, as detailed in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). Preparing for the Passover involved ensuring a ritually clean space and the necessary provisions for the meal.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, as Jesus, despite the impending crisis, demonstrates complete control over the timing and location of this crucial meal, fulfilling His divine plan. His precise instructions in the following verses underscore this. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy and Scripture**, as the Passover, an ancient Jewish institution, is about to be reinterpreted and transformed by Jesus into the new covenant meal, fulfilling the trajectory of salvation history. This transition points to the **Transition from Old to New Covenant**, where the blood of the Passover lamb, which protected Israel from death in Egypt ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood Sign")), is superseded by the blood of Christ, which establishes a new and eternal covenant for the forgiveness of sins ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")). Finally, the disciples' question subtly introduces the theme of **Discipleship and Obedience**, as they are ready to follow Jesus' instructions for this sacred observance, even as the shadow of His passion looms large.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **first (Greek, _prōtos'_):** From the contracted superlative of πρό, meaning "foremost" in time, place, order, or importance. In this context, it signifies the initial day of the Passover week, emphasizing the beginning of the sacred festival period when leaven was removed from homes.
* **unleavened bread (Greek, _ázymos'_):** Derived from Α (negative particle) and ζύμη (leaven), meaning "unleavened" or, figuratively, "uncorrupted." By implication, it refers to the Passover week itself, during which leaven was strictly forbidden, symbolizing purity and the hasty departure from Egypt.
* **prepare (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** From ἕτοιμος, meaning "to prepare" or "to make ready." This verb highlights the practical arrangements the disciples were seeking to make for the Passover meal, indicating their readiness and anticipation of the traditional observance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ Now the first [day] of the [feast of] unleavened bread":** This clause establishes the precise timing of the event within the Jewish liturgical calendar, placing it at the commencement of the Passover festival. It indicates the day when leaven was ritually removed from homes, signaling the beginning of the week-long observance of Unleavened Bread, which was intrinsically linked to the Passover meal.
* **"the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him":** This describes the initiative taken by Jesus' followers, indicating their proactive approach to Him. Their coming to Jesus demonstrates their reliance on His leadership and their desire to fulfill the religious obligations of the festival under His guidance and authority.
* **"Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?":** This is the disciples' direct question, revealing their practical concern about the logistics of observing the Passover meal. It also subtly conveys their recognition of Jesus' authority and their willingness to follow His instructions, highlighting their role as His devoted learners in this crucial moment leading up to His passion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enrich its meaning and narrative impact. Most notably, there is a strong element of **Foreshadowing**, as the seemingly mundane question about Passover preparations subtly hints at the profound events about to unfold. The Passover meal, an ancient symbol of liberation, will be transformed by Jesus into the Last Supper, foreshadowing His ultimate sacrifice and the establishment of the New Covenant. There is also a subtle **Irony** at play: the disciples are focused on the traditional observance of a feast commemorating deliverance from physical slavery, while Jesus is about to initiate a new, far greater deliverance from spiritual slavery through His own impending death. The disciples' question also serves as a **Catalyst** for Jesus' subsequent revelation of His divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over His final hours, propelling the narrative forward towards the pivotal events of His passion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:17 serves as a crucial theological bridge, connecting the ancient Passover tradition with its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The disciples' question about preparing for the Passover underscores the deep roots of Jesus' ministry within the covenant history of Israel. However, Jesus' response and the subsequent events transform this traditional meal from a remembrance of physical deliverance from Egypt into a profound symbol of spiritual deliverance through His atoning sacrifice. This transition highlights God's redemptive plan unfolding throughout history, moving from the shadow of the Old Covenant rituals to the substance found in Christ. The verse thus points to the continuity and culmination of God's saving work, where the Lamb of God becomes the true Passover sacrifice, providing a definitive and eternal redemption that the ancient feast could only anticipate.

* [Exodus 12:21-27](/exodus/12-21-27 "Instructions for the Passover")
* [Luke 22:7-13](/luke/22-7-13 "Preparations for the Passover")
* [1 Corinthians 5:7-8](/1_corinthians/5-7-8 "Christ Our Passover Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:17 invites us to consider our own readiness and posture before Christ. Just as the disciples sought Jesus' guidance for a significant spiritual observance, we are called to approach Him with questions, seeking His direction for our lives and ministries. The meticulous preparation for the Passover, even in the midst of impending crisis, reminds us of the importance of intentionality and reverence in our spiritual disciplines, whether it be corporate worship, personal devotion, or observing the Lord's Supper. This verse encourages us to reflect on the profound significance of Christ's sacrifice, recognizing that every act of worship and obedience is an opportunity to draw closer to the One who gave His life for us. It challenges us to move beyond mere ritual to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the new covenant established through His blood, ensuring that our spiritual preparations lead to genuine communion with God and a life lived in anticipation of His return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my approach to spiritual disciplines reflect the disciples' readiness to prepare for the Passover?**
* **In what areas of my life am I seeking Jesus' specific guidance, and how willing am I to follow His instructions?**
* **How does understanding the transition from the Old Covenant Passover to the New Covenant Lord's Supper deepen my appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?**

### FAQ

**Why is it called "the first day of the feast of unleavened bread" when it's about the Passover meal?**

Answer: The terms "Passover" and "Feast of Unleavened Bread" were often used interchangeably or in close association in ancient Jewish tradition, even though they technically referred to distinct, though consecutive, observances. The Passover meal itself was eaten on the evening of the 14th of Nisan, marking the beginning of the 15th of Nisan. The Feast of Unleavened Bread officially began on the 15th and lasted seven days, during which no leaven was permitted. However, the preparation for the Passover meal, including the removal of leaven, often began on the 14th. Therefore, "the first day of the feast of unleavened bread" likely refers to the day when leaven was removed and the Passover lamb was sacrificed, immediately preceding the Passover meal itself, effectively encompassing the broader festival period. This linguistic fluidity is also seen in other Gospels, such as [Mark 14:12](/mark/14-12 "Mark 14:12 - Preparations for the Passover") and [Luke 22:7](/luke/22-7 "Luke 22:7 - The Day of Unleavened Bread").

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

Answer: The disciples' question highlights their understanding of the religious obligation to observe the Passover and their dependence on Jesus' leadership. It signifies their desire to fulfill the Mosaic Law and their anticipation of the traditional meal. More profoundly, their inquiry sets the stage for Jesus to reveal His divine foreknowledge and sovereign control over the unfolding events. His subsequent detailed instructions ([Matthew 26:18-19](/matthew/26-18-19 "Matthew 26:18-19 - Jesus' Instructions for the Passover")) demonstrate that this Passover was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated part of His redemptive plan, leading directly to the institution of the Lord's Supper. It shows their readiness to obey His specific directives, even as they were unaware of the monumental transformation this particular Passover meal was about to undergo.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:17, though seemingly a simple logistical inquiry, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. The ancient Passover, commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage through the blood of a lamb applied to doorposts ([Exodus 12:7](/exodus/12-7 "Exodus 12:7 - Blood on the Doorposts")), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is revealed as the true "Passover Lamb" ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), whose innocent blood, shed on the cross, delivers humanity not from physical slavery but from the bondage of sin and death. The disciples' question about preparing to "eat the passover" leads directly to Jesus instituting the Lord's Supper, where He transforms the bread and wine into symbols of His broken body and shed blood, establishing the New Covenant ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). Thus, the old ritual, with its annual remembrance of a historical deliverance, is superseded by a new, eternal reality: Christ's once-for-all sacrifice provides ultimate redemption. The preparation for the Passover in [Matthew 26:17](/matthew/26-17 "Matthew 26:17 - Preparations for the Passover") therefore points forward to the definitive act of salvation, where Christ Himself becomes the feast, the sacrifice, and the means of our eternal communion with God ([John 6:53-56](/john/6-53-56 "John 6:53-56 - Eating Jesus' Flesh and Drinking His Blood")).

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

Luke 22:7

¶ Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.

Luke 22:13

And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.

Mark 14:12

¶ 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?

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.

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 12:20

Ye shall eat nothing leavened; in all your habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread.

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.