LUKE 22:7–13, PREPARATIONS FOR THE PASSOVER
THE DIVINE PLAN UNFOLDING IN OBEDIENT SERVICE
Introduction
As the shadow of the cross draws near, Jesus does not act in haste or confusion. Everything unfolds with calm purpose. After betrayal is set in motion, the Gospel now reveals a contrasting scene of quiet obedience and trust. While enemies plot in secrecy, Jesus prepares openly for the Passover—the sacred meal that will become the New Covenant in his blood. This passage shows us that even in the face of suffering, Jesus remains fully in control, guiding his disciples step by step and teaching them how God’s saving plan works through humble cooperation.
Bible Passage (Luke 22:7–13)
When the day of the feast of Unleavened Bread arrived, the day for sacrificing the Passover lamb, he sent out Peter and John, instructing them, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” They asked him, “Where do you want us to make the preparations?” And he answered them, “When you go into the city, a man will meet you carrying a jar of water. Follow him into the house that he enters and say to the master of the house, ‘The teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ He will show you a large upper room that is furnished. Make the preparations there.” Then they went off and found everything exactly as he had told them, and there they prepared the Passover.
Background
The feast of Unleavened Bread marked Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. On this day, families sacrificed the Passover lamb and shared a ritual meal remembering God’s saving power. Jesus deliberately chooses this moment to celebrate his final Passover, transforming it into the foundation of the Eucharist. By sending Peter and John ahead, he links apostolic obedience with divine providence. Nothing about the Passion is accidental; every detail unfolds according to God’s redemptive plan.
Opening Life Connection
In moments of crisis, people often lose clarity and direction. Yet Jesus teaches us that faithfulness in small tasks—planning, preparing, obeying—can become part of God’s greatest work. Many believers feel overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future, but this Gospel reminds us that God often reveals his will step by step, asking only trust and obedience in the present moment.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
Luke notes “the day for sacrificing the Passover lamb”, reminding us that what is about to happen is deeply rooted in salvation history. The lamb once sacrificed in Egypt prefigures Jesus himself, the true Lamb of God.
Jesus “sent out Peter and John”, two leading apostles, showing that preparation for God’s work is entrusted to human cooperation. Leadership in the Church begins with service and obedience, not privilege.
When they ask, “Where do you want us to make the preparations?”, they do not assume or decide on their own. True discipleship listens before acting.
Jesus’ instructions are precise and unexpected: “a man will meet you carrying a jar of water”. In Jewish culture, this was unusual, making the sign unmistakable. God often guides us through simple yet clear signs when we are attentive.
They are told to “follow him”, a word that echoes the call of discipleship itself. Preparation for the Eucharist begins with following.
The message to the householder—“The teacher says to you”—reveals Jesus’ quiet authority. He does not argue or negotiate; his word opens doors.
The “large upper room that is furnished” symbolizes readiness. God prepares what is needed before we arrive. Grace precedes effort.
Finally, Luke affirms: “they found everything exactly as he had told them”. Obedience leads to confirmation. Trust in Jesus is never disappointed.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Passover was celebrated within Jerusalem, often in upper rooms reserved for pilgrims. The removal of leaven symbolized purification and readiness for God’s action. Jesus’ careful observance of these customs shows continuity with Jewish faith, even as he prepares to bring it to fulfillment through the Eucharist.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
This passage anticipates the institution of the Eucharist. The Church sees in these preparations a model for liturgical reverence and readiness of heart. Just as Peter and John prepared the physical space, believers are called to prepare their hearts through repentance and faith to receive Christ sacramentally.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint Thérèse of Lisieux taught that holiness often consists in doing small things with great love. Like Peter and John, she trusted that God works powerfully through simple obedience. Her life shows that preparation done quietly and faithfully can bear eternal fruit.
Application to Christian Life Today
This Gospel invites us to reflect on how we prepare for sacred encounters. Do we approach the Eucharist thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with obedience of heart? God often reveals his will gradually. Our task is not to see the whole plan, but to take the next faithful step.
Eucharistic Connection
The upper room prepared by Peter and John becomes the place where Jesus gives his Body and Blood. Every Mass continues this mystery. Christ still sends his Church to prepare—not just altars and churches, but hearts ready to receive him.
Messages / Call to Conversion
-
Trust that God is already preparing what you need to fulfill his will.
-
Practise obedience even when you do not see the full plan.
-
Prepare your heart reverently for every encounter with Christ in the Eucharist.
-
Recognize that small acts of service can be part of God’s great design.
-
Make a concrete effort to prepare prayerfully before Mass.
Outline for Preachers
-
Background within the Gospel: transition from betrayal to preparation
-
Life connection: faithfulness in small tasks amid uncertainty
-
Key verses and phrases explained: day for sacrificing the Passover lamb, follow him, The teacher says to you, everything exactly as he had told them
-
Jewish historical and religious context: Passover customs, upper room
-
Catholic teaching and tradition: Eucharistic preparation, obedience
-
Saintly or historical illustration: St. Thérèse and faithful preparation
-
Application to life today: reverence, trust, readiness
-
Eucharistic connection: preparation for the Last Supper and every Mass
-
Key messages and call to conversion
