Luke 22:11

And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

And {G2532} ye shall say {G2046} unto the goodman {G3617} of the house {G3614}, The Master {G1320} saith {G3004} unto thee {G4671}, Where {G4226} is {G2076} the guestchamber {G2646}, where {G3699} I shall eat {G5315} the passover {G3957} with {G3326} my {G3450} disciples {G3101}?

and say to its owner, ‘The Rabbi says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I am to eat the Pesach meal with my talmidim?” ’

and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’

And ye shall say unto the master of the house, The Teacher saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

Commentary

Luke 22:11 is part of the narrative detailing Jesus' instructions to His disciples for preparing the Passover meal, which would become known as the Last Supper. This verse highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and careful orchestration of events leading up to His crucifixion.

Context

This verse immediately follows Jesus sending Peter and John to prepare the Passover (Luke 22:7-10). The setting is Jerusalem, just before the significant Jewish festival of Passover. Jesus provides specific, almost cryptic, instructions for finding the location: they are to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water and speak to the "goodman of the house." This detail underscores Jesus' omniscience and control over the circumstances surrounding this pivotal event. Parallel accounts can be found in Matthew 26:18 and Mark 14:14.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: Jesus' detailed instructions, even down to a man carrying a water pitcher, demonstrate His complete awareness and control over future events. This was not a random encounter but a divinely orchestrated appointment, highlighting His authority as "The Master."
  • Obedience and Trust: The disciples are called to implicitly trust and obey Jesus' unusual instructions. Their readiness to follow His precise guidance is crucial for the fulfillment of His plan.
  • Preparation for a Sacred Event: The search for the "guestchamber" (katalyma) emphasizes the importance of a proper setting for the Passover, which Jesus would transform into the institution of the Lord's Supper. This meal was not to be rushed or unprepared.
  • Hospitality: The "goodman of the house" (oikodespótes) is shown as a person ready to extend hospitality, likely a pre-arranged or spiritually prepared individual, indicating the community's role in supporting Jesus' ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The term "goodman of the house" translates from the Greek oikodespótes (οἰκοδεσπότης), meaning "householder" or "master of the house." It implies the head of a household who has authority and responsibility for his dwelling. The "guestchamber" is from the Greek word katalyma (κατάλυμα). While often translated as "inn" in Luke 2:7, here it refers to a specific, likely furnished and private upper room or lodging place suitable for a special gathering, distinguishing it from a common public inn.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to recognize God's meticulous plan in their lives, even in seemingly small details. Just as Jesus knew the exact location and person, God often orchestrates circumstances to fulfill His purposes. It also calls for a spirit of obedience and readiness, like the disciples, to follow divine leading. Furthermore, it reminds us of the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for significant spiritual encounters and of offering hospitality as a service to God and others, as seen in the anonymous householder.

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Cross-References

  • John 11:28 (3 votes)

    And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

  • Revelation 3:20 (2 votes)

    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Luke 19:5 (2 votes)

    And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.

  • Luke 19:31 (2 votes)

    And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

  • Luke 19:34 (2 votes)

    And they said, The Lord hath need of him.

  • Matthew 21:3 (2 votes)

    And if any [man] say ought unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.