Chapter

Matthew 26:17

ESV Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
NIV On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?'
NASB Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?'
CSB On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover? "
NLT On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, 'Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?'
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?

What does Matthew 26:17 mean?

At this time in Israel's history, Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread were often considered a single, weeklong event. It began on the Jewish date of Nisan 15 and continued through Nisan 21. The disciples need a location which is suitable for the Passover meal, and assume that Jesus will want all of them to be present.

This cannot be a last-minute choice since these preparations were extensive. First, a lamb was taken to the temple to be slaughtered by the priests. Then it was brought to the place of the meal to be cooked with bitter herbs, along with the other dishes. Four glasses of wine would be consumed per guest at designated moments in the meal. All this needed to be made ready for Jesus and the twelve disciples to eat and celebrate together after sundown on Thursday evening.

Jesus will give specific directions to find the place for their Passover meal. This event, detailed in upcoming verses, will become known in history as the Last Supper.
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