Matthew 26:17-19 17Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want that we should prepare for you to eat the Passover?” 18And he said, “Go into the city to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is at hand; with you I will celebrate the Passover with my disciples.’ ” 19And the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover.
The Passover had arrived. So much symbolism is found in Jesus’ suffering and death happening at Passover. It was the ideal time to live out Old Testament theology and fulfill Old Testament prophecy. This particular Passover meal has been called the “Last Supper” by Christians since it was the last meal Jesus ate with his disciples before his death. As good Jews, the disciples knew it was time to prepare, and so they take the initiative and ask Jesus about the details. They figured they were in Jerusalem for this reason and still did not see the greater significance of what was happening. They were strangers in the city, so they wondered where they could celebrate this feast, which was a significant time for families and relatives.
Jesus gives them both specific and vague directions. The specific part is going into Jerusalem and contacting a certain man. But it was a huge city filled with people, and Jesus does not give anymore details about the man. This was essentially an opportunity for the disciples’ faith to grow since they would need to be guided by the Holy Spirit to the right person. Jesus gave them specific words to say. The man would recognize the words and respond by offering hospitality. He was essentially offering help to quite a large group of people, at least 13, including Jesus and his disciples. The man and possibly his family would have been part of the celebration as well. The text does not say that he was a believer, but surely he was by the end of the night. In this case, the disciples follow through with the directions and do just as Jesus said. They looked to Jesus for directions, and he provided them in a way that gave them assurance and grew their faith and dependency upon him. The man extended hospitality and provided all the food and drinks (at likely a substantial expense). This episode stands in sharp contrast to what Judas had done in his plans.
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