Mark 14:16
And his disciples went forth, and came into the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
his
G846
αὐτοῖς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 19
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦλθον
came
G2064
ἦλθον
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 19
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πόλιν
the city
G4172
πόλιν
the city
Strong's:
G4172
Word #:
10 of 19
a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοῖς
his
G846
αὐτοῖς
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 19
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
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Preparing Passover involved:
- bringing a yearling male lamb to the temple for slaughter (afternoon of Nisan 14)
- roasting the lamb whole
- preparing unleavened bread (מַצָּה, matzah)
- procuring wine for four cups drunk during the meal
- gathering bitter herbs (מָרוֹר, maror) symbolizing Egyptian bondage,
- preparing charoset (fruit-nut mixture symbolizing mortar).
The entire process was elaborate and costly. The disciples' successful completion fulfilled Jesus's instructions and prepared the setting for instituting the Lord's Supper.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the disciples' experience of finding everything "as he had said" build confidence in Jesus's other predictions, including His resurrection?
- What does the disciples' faithful obedience in mundane tasks teach about serving Christ in "small" things?
- How might you be unknowingly participating in God's greater purposes through simple acts of obedience?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
His disciples went forth, and came into the city—Peter and John obeyed Jesus's detailed instructions. Found as he had said unto them (εὗρον καθὼς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, heuron kathōs eipen autois)—perfect fulfillment of Jesus's prophecy, confirming His divine foreknowledge and reliability. Every detail—the man, the water pitcher, the homeowner's response, the furnished upper room—occurred exactly as predicted. They made ready the passover (ἡτοίμασαν τὸ πάσχα, hētoimasan to pascha)—they procured and prepared the Passover lamb and elements.
This verse emphasizes fulfilled prophecy and trustworthy obedience. The disciples' experience of finding everything "as he had said" strengthened faith before the crisis ahead. When Jesus's predictions about betrayal, death, and resurrection came true, they would remember His perfect foreknowledge. The phrase "made ready the passover" carries ironic depth—they prepared a meal pointing to Jesus's sacrificial death. They thought they were preparing dinner; God was preparing redemption. Their faithful service in small things (finding a room, preparing a meal) participated in cosmic redemption.