Luke 22:8

Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare for us to eat the Passover."

Study Bible

So Jesus sent
The phrase begins with the action of Jesus sending His disciples, which is significant in the context of His ministry. The Greek word for "sent" is "ἀπέστειλεν" (apesteilen), which is derived from "apostellō," meaning to send forth with a specific purpose. This reflects the authority and intentionality of Jesus' mission. In the broader scriptural context, Jesus often sends His disciples to carry out tasks that are crucial to His redemptive plan, emphasizing the role of obedience and service in the life of a believer.

Peter and John
Peter and John are two of Jesus' closest disciples, often seen as leaders among the Twelve. Their selection for this task highlights their importance and trustworthiness. Historically, Peter is known for his boldness and leadership, while John is often associated with love and deep spiritual insight. Together, they represent a balance of strength and compassion, qualities essential for the task at hand. This pairing also foreshadows their future roles in the early Church, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles.

saying, 'Go and prepare
The directive "Go and prepare" underscores the active participation required in following Jesus. The Greek word for "prepare" is "ἑτοιμάσατε" (hetoimasate), which implies making ready or putting things in order. This preparation is not just physical but also spiritual, as it involves readiness to partake in the Passover, a significant Jewish feast. The command to prepare is a call to action, reminding believers of the importance of being spiritually prepared for the works God has set before them.

for us
The inclusion of "for us" indicates the communal aspect of the Passover meal. Jesus is not only preparing for His own participation but is also including His disciples in this sacred observance. This reflects the communal nature of the Christian faith, where believers are called to gather together in fellowship and worship. It also points to the unity and shared purpose among Jesus and His followers, a theme that is central to the teachings of the New Testament.

to eat the Passover
The Passover is a pivotal event in Jewish history, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The Greek word for "Passover" is "πάσχα" (pascha), which is rooted in the Hebrew "Pesach." This meal is rich in symbolism, foreshadowing Jesus' own sacrificial death as the Lamb of God. By preparing to eat the Passover, Jesus is aligning Himself with God's redemptive plan, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies, and instituting the New Covenant through His impending sacrifice. This act serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness and the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is preparing for the Passover meal with His disciples. This event is significant as it leads to the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Christian theology.

2. Peter
One of Jesus' closest disciples, known for his leadership among the apostles and his bold, albeit sometimes impulsive, nature. He plays a crucial role in the early church.

3. John
Another of Jesus' closest disciples, often referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." He is known for his deep spiritual insight and later authorship of the Gospel of John, three epistles, and Revelation.

4. Passover
A Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It is significant in this context as it foreshadows Jesus' sacrificial death as the Lamb of God.

5. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant in Jewish history and prophecy, and the location of the Temple.

Teaching Points

Obedience to Christ's Commands
Peter and John exemplify obedience by following Jesus' instructions without question. As believers, we are called to trust and obey Christ's directives in our lives.

Preparation for Worship
Just as Peter and John prepared for the Passover, we should prepare our hearts and minds for worship and communion with God, ensuring we approach Him with reverence and readiness.

Significance of the Passover
Understanding the Passover's historical and theological significance enriches our appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice. It reminds us of God's deliverance and faithfulness.

Role of Community in Faith
Jesus sends two disciples, highlighting the importance of community and partnership in ministry and spiritual practices. We are encouraged to walk our faith journey alongside others.

Anticipation of Christ's Sacrifice
This preparation for the Passover meal foreshadows the greater sacrifice Jesus is about to make. It calls us to live in gratitude and remembrance of His atoning work.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the obedience of Peter and John in this passage challenge us in our daily walk with Christ?

2. In what ways can we prepare our hearts for worship and communion with God, similar to how the disciples prepared for the Passover?

3. How does understanding the original Passover enhance our appreciation of Jesus' role as the Lamb of God?

4. What can we learn from Jesus sending two disciples together about the importance of community in our faith journey?

5. How does this passage encourage us to live in anticipation and gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, and how can we practically apply this in our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 12
The original Passover event, where God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb and mark their doorposts with its blood, sparing them from the final plague in Egypt. This connects to Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

1 Corinthians 5:7
Paul refers to Christ as our Passover lamb, sacrificed for us, drawing a direct line from the Passover event to Jesus' atoning death.

John 13
The account of the Last Supper, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating servanthood and love, which is initiated by the preparation mentioned in Luke 22:8.