Matthew 26:18

KJV

And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Go {G5217} into {G1519} the city {G4172} to {G4314} such a man {G1170}, and {G2532} say {G2036} unto him {G846}, The Master {G1320} saith {G3004}, My {G3450} time {G2540} is {G2076} at hand {G1451}; I will keep {G4160} the passover {G3957} at {G4314} thy house {G4571} with {G3326} my {G3450} disciples {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Go into the city, to so-and-so," he replied, "and tell him that the Rabbi says, `My time is near, my talmidim and I are celebrating Pesach at your house.'"

Berean Standard Bible

He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’”

American Standard Version

And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Teacher saith, My time is at hand; I keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:18 captures a moment of profound divine foreknowledge and sovereign orchestration as Jesus, on the cusp of His Passion, dispatches disciples with precise instructions for preparing the Passover meal. This seemingly simple directive reveals His intimate control over unfolding events, signaling that His impending suffering and sacrifice are not random occurrences but part of a meticulously planned divine timetable, culminating in the institution of the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Matthew's Passion Narrative, immediately following the disciples' question regarding where to prepare the Passover meal ([Matthew 26:17](/matthew/26-17 "Matthew 26:17 - Disciples Ask About Passover")). Jesus's response here is not merely a practical instruction but a demonstration of His divine foreknowledge and authority, setting the stage for the pivotal events of the Last Supper, His betrayal, and subsequent crucifixion. It directly precedes the actual celebration of the Passover, where Jesus will institute the New Covenant through the bread and wine, transforming the ancient Jewish feast into a prophetic meal pointing to His atoning sacrifice ([Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover was one of the most significant annual festivals for Jews, commemorating their liberation from slavery in Egypt ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). Jerusalem would have been bustling with pilgrims, and finding suitable accommodation for the Passover meal was a common logistical challenge. The tradition involved families or groups gathering to eat the Passover lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter herbs within the city walls. Jesus's specific, almost clandestine, instructions to "such a man" suggest either a pre-arranged contact known only to Jesus, or a prophetic sign that would immediately identify the disciples and the "Master's" request, highlighting the unique nature of this final Passover.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several major themes. Firstly, **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge** are paramount, as Jesus demonstrates intimate knowledge of future events, including the precise location and arrangements for the meal. His declaration, "My time is at hand," emphasizes that His impending suffering and death are not accidental but part of God's predetermined plan, a theme echoed throughout His ministry, particularly in [John's Gospel](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus's Hour Has Come"). Secondly, the verse highlights **Messianic Authority**, as Jesus, "The Master," issues a command that is immediately obeyed, indicating His supreme status. Thirdly, it points to the **Redemptive Purpose** of His mission, as the Passover, traditionally commemorating physical deliverance, is about to be reinterpreted by Jesus as a symbol of spiritual deliverance through His own sacrifice, foreshadowing the ultimate [Passover Lamb](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Master (Greek, _didáskalos'_):** This term (G1320) translates as "instructor" or "teacher." Its use here by Jesus, relayed through His disciples, reinforces His authoritative role. It signifies not merely a human teacher, but one who possesses divine wisdom and authority, whose word carries ultimate weight and demands immediate obedience from those who recognize His status.
* **time (Greek, _kairós'_):** The Greek word (G2540) refers to an appointed, opportune, or specific season, rather than simply chronological time (_chronos_). When Jesus says "My time is at hand," He is not merely stating that the clock is ticking, but that the divinely appointed moment for His ultimate redemptive act—His suffering, death, and resurrection—has arrived. This _kairos_ is the culmination of God's eternal plan.
* **at hand (Greek, _engýs'_):** This adverb (G1451) means "near," "nigh," or "ready." Coupled with _kairos_, it intensifies the sense of imminence and preparedness. It signifies that the appointed moment is not just approaching, but is immediately upon them, underscoring the urgency and the precise unfolding of God's salvific purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said, Go into the city to such a man":** Jesus issues a direct command, sending His disciples into Jerusalem. The phrase "such a man" (G1170, _deîna_) indicates that the man's name is either unknown to the disciples, or it is deliberately withheld, perhaps to maintain secrecy from Judas or other adversaries, or to emphasize the prophetic nature of the encounter, as the man would recognize the "Master's" specific instruction.
* **"and say unto him, The Master saith":** This clause establishes the authority behind the message. The disciples are not merely making a request but delivering a divine mandate from "The Master" (G1320, _didáskalos_), a title that would immediately convey Jesus's unique status and authority to the recipient.
* **"My time is at hand":** This is the core declaration. "My time" refers to Jesus's appointed hour (G2540, _kairós_), the culmination of His earthly ministry leading to His crucifixion. "At hand" (G1451, _engýs_) emphasizes the immediate proximity of this pivotal moment, signaling the imminent fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
* **"I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.":** This is the specific instruction for preparation and location. Jesus asserts His intention to celebrate the Passover, but crucially, He specifies the man's house as the chosen venue. This highlights Jesus's sovereignty over the details, ensuring the Passover, which would become the Last Supper, occurs according to His divine will.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Jesus's declaration, "My time is at hand," powerfully anticipates His impending passion and death. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the divine timetable leading to the cross, setting a solemn tone for the events that follow. There is also an element of **Divine Irony**, as the preparation for a traditional feast of liberation (Passover) is orchestrated by the very one who will become the ultimate sacrifice for true spiritual liberation. The specific, yet veiled, instruction to "such a man" can be seen as a form of **Prophetic Sign**, where the man's immediate recognition and obedience affirm Jesus's supernatural knowledge and authority. Furthermore, the entire scene is imbued with **Symbolism**, as the Passover itself, rich with historical and theological meaning for Israel, is about to be transformed and reinterpreted by Jesus, pointing to a new covenant sealed by His own blood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the overarching theological theme of God's sovereign plan of redemption. Jesus's foreknowledge and meticulous orchestration of the Passover meal underscore that His death was not a tragic accident but a divinely appointed sacrifice, pre-ordained before the foundation of the world. This event transitions the ancient Passover, which commemorated Israel's physical deliverance from Egypt, into the New Covenant, where Christ Himself becomes the ultimate Passover Lamb, providing spiritual deliverance from sin for all who believe. The "time" Jesus speaks of is the fulfillment of all Old Testament types and shadows, bringing about the new and better covenant.

* [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus's Hour Has Come"): "Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end."
* [Exodus 12:21-23](/exodus/12-21-23 "Exodus 12:21-23 - Instructions for the First Passover"): "Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you."
* [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover"): "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:"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:18 invites us to reflect on the profound intentionality and sovereignty of God in Christ's life and, by extension, in our own. Just as Jesus knew His "time" and orchestrated every detail leading up to His ultimate sacrifice, we can find immense comfort and trust in the knowledge that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even the most challenging or seemingly chaotic moments of our lives. Nothing takes Him by surprise; every event, every season, is part of His larger, perfect plan. This verse also calls us to a posture of radical obedience, mirroring the disciples who simply "Go into the city to such a man" without question, and the unnamed man who immediately complies with "The Master's" request. Our faith is not merely intellectual assent but active trust and responsiveness to God's leading, even when the path is unclear or the instructions unusual. Furthermore, Jesus's deliberate preparation for the Passover, knowing its ultimate fulfillment in Himself, reminds us to approach our own spiritual disciplines and acts of worship with intentionality and reverence, recognizing the sacredness of our calling and the divine purpose behind every moment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's divine foreknowledge and sovereignty in this verse encourage me when I face uncertain or difficult times in my own life?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to a greater measure of immediate and unquestioning obedience, much like the disciples and "such a man"?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of intentionality and purpose in my daily walk with God, recognizing that every "time" and every task can be part of His divine plan?**

### FAQ
**Who was "such a man" mentioned in Matthew 26:18?**

Answer: The Bible does not explicitly name "such a man" in Matthew's account. However, Luke's parallel account ([Luke 22:10-12](/luke/22-10-12 "Luke 22:10-12 - The Man with the Water Jar")) provides a unique detail: Jesus instructs the disciples to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water into a house, where he would show them a large upper room. This detail suggests that Jesus either had a pre-arranged, perhaps secret, contact in Jerusalem (possibly a disciple or sympathizer whose identity was protected from Judas and other adversaries), or that He was providing a prophetic sign that would unmistakably lead the disciples to the divinely appointed location. The man's immediate compliance with "The Master's" request indicates a prior understanding or a profound recognition of Jesus's authority.

**What is the significance of Jesus saying, "My time is at hand"?**

Answer: The phrase "My time is at hand" (Greek: _ho kairós mou engýs estin_) is profoundly significant. The word _kairós_ refers to an appointed or opportune time, a specific moment in God's redemptive plan, rather than just chronological time (_chronos_). By declaring "My time is at hand," Jesus emphasizes that His impending suffering, death, and resurrection are not random events or a tragic accident, but the divinely ordained culmination of His earthly ministry. It signifies the precise moment when God's eternal plan of salvation, foreshadowed throughout the Old Testament, is about to be perfectly fulfilled through His sacrifice as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). This declaration underscores Jesus's sovereignty even in His suffering and His complete submission to the Father's will.

**Why did Jesus celebrate the Passover if He was the fulfillment of it?**

Answer: Jesus, being a faithful Jew, observed the Passover as commanded in the Law ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover")). However, His celebration of this particular Passover was unique because it served as a bridge between the old covenant and the new. He didn't just observe it; He transformed it. During this meal, Jesus reinterpreted the elements of the Passover—the bread and the wine—to symbolize His own body broken and His blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, instituting what we now know as the Lord's Supper or Communion ([Matthew 26:26-28](/matthew/26-26-28 "Matthew 26:26-28 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")). By doing so, He demonstrated that He was the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from death. His sacrifice would provide eternal redemption, making the old covenant Passover obsolete in its sacrificial function, replaced by the reality of Christ Himself ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:18, with Jesus's declaration "My time is at hand," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality that Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose pre-ordained sacrifice inaugurates the New Covenant. The Old Testament Passover feast, commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage through the blood of a lamb ([Exodus 12:13](/exodus/12-13 "Exodus 12:13 - The Blood as a Sign")), was a powerful type pointing forward to Christ. Jesus, in orchestrating this final Passover meal, intentionally positions Himself as the antitype—the true and perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His "time" was the appointed _kairos_ for His atoning death, a moment not of defeat but of divine victory, where He would shed His blood to establish the new covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - Institution of the New Covenant")) and provide eternal redemption for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, this verse is not merely about preparing a meal, but about the sovereign preparation for the greatest act of love and redemption in history, where Christ, our Passover lamb, was sacrificed for us ([1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover")), fulfilling all prophecy and ushering in a new era of grace.

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.

John 7:6

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 17:1

¶ These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:

John 7:30

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

Luke 22:10

And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.