Matthew 26:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the disciples {G3101} did {G4160} as {G5613} Jesus {G2424} had appointed {G4929} them {G846}; and {G2532} they made ready {G2090} the passover {G3957}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The talmidim did as Yeshua directed and prepared the Seder.

Berean Standard Bible

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 26:19 succinctly records the disciples' immediate and faithful obedience to Jesus' precise instructions for preparing the Passover meal, a pivotal act that sets the stage for the institution of the Lord's Supper and the dramatic events of Christ's passion. This verse highlights the disciples' submission to Christ's authority and the divine orchestration of the sacred meal, which would serve as the bridge between the Old Covenant's commemorative sacrifice and the New Covenant's redemptive reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the Passion Narrative of Matthew's Gospel, specifically within the events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. It immediately follows Jesus' detailed, almost prophetic, instructions to His disciples in [Matthew 26:17-18](/matthew/26-17-18 "Matthew 26:17-18 - Jesus' Instructions for Passover"). Jesus sends two disciples into the city, providing specific, unusual directions for finding a man who will show them a large upper room, already prepared. The disciples' action in [Matthew 26:19](/matthew/26-19 "Matthew 26:19 - Disciples Prepare Passover") is a direct fulfillment of these instructions, demonstrating their trust and readiness to obey. This preparation is not merely for a routine meal but for the Last Supper, an event that will profoundly redefine the ancient Passover tradition and institute the new covenant in Christ's blood, as detailed in [Matthew 26:26-29](/matthew/26-26-29 "Matthew 26:26-29 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). The narrative then proceeds to the betrayal by Judas and Jesus' arrest, emphasizing the solemnity and significance of this final meal.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Passover (Pesach) was one of the most significant annual festivals in ancient Israel, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and God's deliverance of His people from slavery, as recounted in [Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover"). It was observed on the 14th day of Nisan, beginning at twilight, followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days. Jewish families would gather in Jerusalem to sacrifice a lamb at the Temple, then roast and eat it with unleavened bread (matzah) and bitter herbs (maror). The meal was rich in symbolism, recalling the haste of their departure and the bitterness of their bondage. By Jesus' time, the Passover had been celebrated for over a millennium, deeply ingrained in Jewish identity and religious practice. The preparations involved securing a suitable room, purchasing the lamb, preparing the unleavened bread, and ensuring all ritual requirements were met, often a complex logistical undertaking for pilgrims in Jerusalem.

* **Key Themes:** Matthew 26:19 contributes to several overarching themes within the Gospel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**. Jesus' precise knowledge of the location and circumstances for the Passover preparation, even down to the man carrying the water jar (as noted in parallel accounts like [Mark 14:13](/mark/14-13 "Mark 14:13 - Man with a Water Jar")), highlights His omniscience and control over all events, even amidst His impending suffering and betrayal. Secondly, it emphasizes **Discipleship and Obedience**. The phrase "the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them" exemplifies ideal discipleship—unquestioning obedience to the Master's command, regardless of the apparent simplicity or complexity of the task. This obedience is a recurring motif in Matthew, where following Jesus' teachings is paramount for those entering the kingdom of heaven (e.g., [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Finally, the verse serves as a crucial bridge for the theme of **Transition from Old to New Covenant**. The preparation of the Old Covenant Passover meal directly precedes its reinterpretation by Jesus as the New Covenant meal, the Lord's Supper, where He Himself becomes the ultimate Passover Lamb whose sacrifice atones for sin (e.g., [1 Corinthians 5:7](/1_corinthians/5-7 "1 Corinthians 5:7 - Christ Our Passover Lamb")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Disciples (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** From the root meaning "to learn," a disciple is fundamentally a learner or pupil. In the context of Jesus' ministry, "disciples" refers to those who followed Him, committed to His teachings, and sought to emulate His life. Their action in this verse underscores their role as obedient learners who put their Master's instructions into practice.
* **Appointed (Greek, _syntássō'_):** This word signifies "to arrange jointly," "to ordain," or "to command." It conveys the idea of a precise, authoritative directive given by Jesus. It's not merely a suggestion but an instruction that carries the weight of His divine authority, indicating a specific divine plan or order that the disciples were to follow.
* **Made ready (Greek, _hetoimázō'_):** This verb means "to prepare" or "to make ready." It describes the practical, physical actions taken by the disciples to ensure all necessary elements for the Passover meal were in place. The use of this word emphasizes the diligent and thorough preparation required for such a significant ritual, highlighting the disciples' active participation in fulfilling Jesus' command.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them;":** This clause highlights the immediate and faithful response of Jesus' followers. The disciples, acting as obedient students, carried out Jesus' specific instructions without hesitation or question. This demonstrates their trust in His authority and their commitment to His will, even when the instructions might have seemed unusual or required faith in an unseen provision. Their action underscores the principle of obedience as a cornerstone of discipleship.
* **"and they made ready the passover.":** This second clause describes the successful completion of the task. Following Jesus' appointment, the disciples diligently prepared all the necessary elements for the Passover meal. This preparation was not just a logistical exercise but a sacred act, setting the stage for the most profound reinterpretation of the Passover in history—the institution of the Lord's Supper, where the old covenant's symbolism would find its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 26:19 employs several subtle but significant literary devices. The **Narrative Economy** of the verse is striking; it condenses a potentially complex logistical undertaking into a concise statement of action and outcome, emphasizing the disciples' immediate obedience rather than the details of their labor. This economy serves to highlight the *authority* of Jesus' command and the *faithfulness* of the disciples' response. Furthermore, there is an element of **Foreshadowing** at play. While the verse describes the preparation of a traditional Passover, the reader, especially in retrospect, understands that this particular Passover is unique. It is the prelude to the institution of the Lord's Supper, where Jesus will transform the ancient ritual into a new covenant sacrament. The seemingly mundane act of "making ready" thus becomes a crucial, divinely orchestrated step towards the ultimate sacrifice and the establishment of a new spiritual reality. The verse also subtly uses **Contrast** by juxtaposing the disciples' simple obedience with the complex, divinely pre-ordained events that are about to unfold, emphasizing that even small acts of faithfulness contribute to God's grand plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 26:19 serves as a powerful testament to the theme of divine sovereignty working through human obedience. The meticulous preparation for the Passover, under Jesus' specific direction, underscores that even the seemingly mundane details of life are under God's providential care. This event is not merely a historical record of a meal but a theological bridge, connecting the Old Testament's sacrificial system and the liberation from Egyptian bondage to the New Testament's ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the true Lamb of God, who liberates humanity from the bondage of sin. The disciples' ready compliance models for believers the essential posture of faith: trusting and obeying God's commands, even when the full scope of His plan is not yet revealed. Their actions pave the way for the profound theological reinterpretation of the Passover into the Lord's Supper, signifying the transition from a covenant based on law and ritual to one based on grace and the shed blood of Christ.

* [John 15:14](/john/15-14 "John 15:14 - Friends of Jesus")
* [Luke 22:13](/luke/22-13 "Luke 22:13 - Disciples Prepare the Passover")
* [Hebrews 10:5-7](/hebrews/10-5-7 "Hebrews 10:5-7 - Christ's Obedience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 26:19 offers a profound lesson in the nature of discipleship and the significance of obedience. The disciples' simple act of "doing as Jesus had appointed them" was not glamorous, yet it was absolutely essential for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It reminds us that faithfulness in seemingly small or routine tasks can be profoundly significant in God's eyes. Our readiness to obey Christ's commands, whether explicit instructions from Scripture or promptings of the Holy Spirit, prepares us for deeper spiritual encounters and allows us to participate in His larger work. This verse challenges us to consider our own posture of obedience: are we quick to respond to Christ's leading, even when the purpose isn't immediately clear? Do we trust in His divine foreknowledge and provision, knowing that He orchestrates all things for His glory and our good? Just as the disciples prepared the physical space, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives for His presence and purpose, recognizing that every act of obedience, no matter how small, contributes to the grand narrative of God's kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is Jesus "appointing" you to act, and how readily are you obeying?**
* **How does the disciples' simple obedience in this verse encourage you to trust God's plan, even when you don't see the full picture?**
* **What "preparations" (spiritual or practical) might God be calling you to make today for future encounters or ministries?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Jesus "appointing" the disciples to prepare the Passover?**

Answer: The significance of Jesus "appointing" the disciples (from the Greek _syntássō_, meaning to arrange jointly or command) lies in His divine authority and foreknowledge. This was not a casual request but a precise instruction, indicating that the preparation of this specific Passover meal was part of God's pre-ordained plan. It highlights Jesus' sovereignty over circumstances, even seemingly mundane logistical details, and underscores that the disciples' obedience was a direct fulfillment of His will. This appointment also sets the stage for the profound reinterpretation of the Passover into the Lord's Supper, demonstrating that this meal was no ordinary observance but a divinely orchestrated event of immense theological importance, bridging the Old and New Covenants.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 26:19, while describing the preparation for an Old Covenant Passover, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Himself. The very act of "making ready the passover" serves as the immediate prelude to Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, where He reinterprets the ancient symbols. The Passover lamb, whose blood protected Israel from the angel of death ([Exodus 12:21-23](/exodus/12-21-23 "Exodus 12:21-23 - The Blood on the Doorposts")), is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His body, broken like the unleavened bread, and His blood, poured out like the wine, establish the [new covenant in His blood](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood"), offering not merely physical deliverance but eternal salvation from sin and death. Thus, the disciples' preparation for the Passover was, in essence, a preparation for the revelation of Christ as the ultimate sacrifice, the one who perfectly fulfills all the types and shadows of the Old Testament, making a way for humanity to enter into an eternal relationship with God through His finished work on the cross ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's 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.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 35:10

So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, according to the king's commandment.

2 Chronicles 35:11

And they killed the passover, and the priests sprinkled [the blood] from their hands, and the Levites flayed [them].

Exodus 12:4

And if the household be too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbour next unto his house take [it] according to the number of the souls; every man according to his eating shall make your count for the lamb.

Exodus 12:8

And they shall eat the flesh in that night, roast with fire, and unleavened bread; [and] with bitter [herbs] they shall eat it.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Matthew 21:6

And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them,

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].