Why did Jesus prepare for Passover?
Jesus giving the Farewell discourse to his eleven remaining disciples, from the Maesta by Duccio, 1308-1311. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Matthew 26:17–19 “Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus , saying, ‘Where will you have us prepare for you to eat the Passover?’” ( v. 17 ). With the Passover at hand, the disciples come to Jesus to inquire of the place where the meal is to be eaten ( Matt. 26:17 ). This festival, one of the most important feast days on the Jewish calendar , has to be celebrated within Jerusalem proper, and so our Lord and His followers must find a place to eat the Passover meal within the city, for they have been staying in Bethany ( v. 6 ). Christ is able to direct His disciples on how they may find a room in which to eat the Passover, and they then go forth to follow His instructions ( vv. 18–19 ). Day fourteen of the Jewish month of Nisan is the Day of Preparation for the Passover on which the lambs are slaughtered at twiligh