Matthew 26:19
And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover.
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
ἐποίησαν
did
G4160
ἐποίησαν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 13
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὡς
as
G5613
ὡς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
5 of 13
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
συνέταξεν
had appointed
G4929
συνέταξεν
had appointed
Strong's:
G4929
Word #:
6 of 13
to arrange jointly, i.e., (figuratively) to direct
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 13
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Passover preparation was elaborate and time-consuming. The lamb had to be inspected for defects (picturing Christ's sinless perfection), slaughtered between 3-5 PM on Nisan 14, and roasted whole without breaking bones (fulfilled in John 19:36). The meal followed strict liturgical order called the Haggadah, recounting the Exodus story.
Questions for Reflection
- How does careful obedience to Christ's instructions prepare us for spiritual revelation?
- What parallels exist between preparing the Passover lamb and Christ's examination before crucifixion?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The disciples did as Jesus had appointed them (ἐποίησαν οἱ μαθηταὶ ὡς συνέταξεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς, epoiēsan hoi mathētai hōs synetaxen autois ho Iēsous)—The verb syntassō means 'to arrange, command, prescribe.' Their obedience mirrors Israel's response to Passover instructions in Exodus 12:28: as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they.
They made ready the passover—This required purchasing an unblemished lamb, having it slaughtered at the Temple, roasting it whole, preparing unleavened bread (matzah), bitter herbs (maror), charoset (fruit paste), and four cups of wine. The preparation foreshadows the disciples' future role in preparing hearts for the true Passover Lamb's sacrifice.