Luke 22:8
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
G649
ἀπέστειλεν
he sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
2 of 13
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
Πέτρον
Peter
G4074
Πέτρον
Peter
Strong's:
G4074
Word #:
3 of 13
a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πορευθέντες
Go
G4198
Πορευθέντες
Go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
7 of 13
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πάσχα
the passover
G3957
πάσχα
the passover
Strong's:
G3957
Word #:
11 of 13
the passover (the meal, the day, the festival or the special sacrifices connected with it)
Historical Context
Passover preparation required significant work: selecting and purchasing a lamb (one per household or group of 10-20), temple slaughter and blood application, roasting the entire lamb, securing unleavened bread and bitter herbs, preparing the upper room, mixing wine (four cups required in the Seder), and arranging couches for reclining at table.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' choice of Peter and John for this sacred task highlight the importance of trusted spiritual leadership?
- What does Jesus' determination to eat this Passover ('that we may eat') reveal about His intentionality in fulfilling the Law?
- In what ways should preparing for communion today mirror the careful preparation required for Passover?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. Jesus sent (ἀπέστειλεν, apesteilen, aorist active) His two leading apostles—Peter (Πέτρον, Petron, 'the rock') and John (Ἰωάννην, Iōannēn, 'the beloved'). Their task: prepare us the passover (ἑτοιμάσατε ἡμῖν τὸ πάσχα, hetoimasate hēmin to pascha). This involved purchasing an unblemished lamb, bringing it to the temple for slaughter, retrieving the carcass, preparing it with unleavened bread, bitter herbs, wine, and the traditional elements.
The purpose clause that we may eat (ἵνα φάγωμεν, hina phagōmen, aorist active subjunctive) expresses Jesus' determination to celebrate this final Passover before His death. He would transform this memorial meal into the Lord's Supper, replacing old covenant symbols with new covenant realities. Peter and John's preparation of the Passover lamb parallels their later role preparing the church to receive Christ, the true Lamb.