And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Analysis & Commentary
He sendeth forth two of his disciples—Luke 22:8 identifies them as Peter and John. Sending two fulfills the principle of paired witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). There shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water (ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων, anthrōpos keramion hydatos bastazōn)—this sign was remarkable because water-carrying was women's work. A man carrying water would be conspicuous and unmistakable.
Jesus's detailed foreknowledge demonstrates divine omniscience—He knew precisely what the disciples would encounter. This miraculous knowledge parallels His prophecy of finding the colt (Mark 11:2-6) and shows sovereign control over circumstances. Some scholars suggest Jesus prearranged this meeting; others see supernatural foreknowledge. Either way, Jesus orchestrates events for Passover preparation. The cryptic sign may have protected the location from Judas, who wasn't privy to these instructions, ensuring uninterrupted final meal with His disciples.
Historical Context
In first-century Palestine, women typically carried water jars on their heads while men carried wineskins. A man carrying a water pitcher (κεράμιον, keramion—ceramic jar) would immediately stand out. This unusual sign ensured the disciples found the right person. Jerusalem was crowded with Passover pilgrims (possibly 200,000+), making a specific meeting place essential. The "city" (πόλιν) was Jerusalem. Jesus likely had sympathetic supporters in Jerusalem who provided the upper room, though the Gospels don't name them. Secrecy was necessary because Judas and temple authorities were plotting arrest.
Questions for Reflection
How does Jesus's detailed foreknowledge of future events strengthen confidence in His sovereignty over your circumstances?
What does Jesus's careful preparation for the Passover meal teach about intentionality in observing the Lord's Supper?
How might Jesus's cryptic instructions to protect the upper room location illustrate wisdom in spiritual warfare?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
He sendeth forth two of his disciples—Luke 22:8 identifies them as Peter and John. Sending two fulfills the principle of paired witnesses (Deuteronomy 19:15). There shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water (ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων, anthrōpos keramion hydatos bastazōn)—this sign was remarkable because water-carrying was women's work. A man carrying water would be conspicuous and unmistakable.
Jesus's detailed foreknowledge demonstrates divine omniscience—He knew precisely what the disciples would encounter. This miraculous knowledge parallels His prophecy of finding the colt (Mark 11:2-6) and shows sovereign control over circumstances. Some scholars suggest Jesus prearranged this meeting; others see supernatural foreknowledge. Either way, Jesus orchestrates events for Passover preparation. The cryptic sign may have protected the location from Judas, who wasn't privy to these instructions, ensuring uninterrupted final meal with His disciples.