Luke 22:1-13
Preparing the Passover
Read the passage
1Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching,
2and the chief priests and scribes were looking for a way to put Jesus to death, for they feared the people.
3Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve.
4And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them.
5They were delighted and agreed to give him money.
6Judas consented, and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd.
7Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed.
8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
9“Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked.
10He answered, “When you enter the city, a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him to the house he enters,
11and say to the owner of that house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’
12And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there.”
13So they went and found it just as Jesus had told them. And they prepared the Passover.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, is drawing near. The chief priests and scribes are seeking how to put Jesus to death, but they fear the people.
Satan enters Judas called Iscariot, one of the twelve. Judas goes to the chief priests and officers and discusses how he might betray Jesus to them. They are glad and agree to give him money. Judas accepts and begins looking for a chance to hand Jesus over away from the crowd.
The day of Unleavened Bread arrives, on which the Passover lamb must be sacrificed. Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare the Passover so they may eat it. They ask where He wants them to prepare it.
Jesus tells them that a man carrying a jar of water will meet them. They should follow him into the house and ask the master for the guest room where Jesus may eat the Passover with His disciples. They find everything as Jesus said and prepare the meal.
Passover remembers the Lord sparing Israel's households in Egypt. As that remembrance approaches, one of the Twelve prepares a betrayal while Peter and John prepare the meal Jesus has requested. The plot does not stop him from gathering his disciples. He is moving toward his suffering with a purpose of his own.
How We Know
Exodus 12:12–14 establishes Passover as a remembrance of the Lord sparing the houses marked with blood when judgment fell on Egypt. Verses 26–27 tell parents how to explain it to their children. That is the remembrance Jesus sends Peter and John to prepare as the account of his suffering begins.
Questions
1 What are the chief priests and scribes seeking?
AnswerThey are seeking a way to put Jesus to death, but they fear the people and need a discreet opportunity.
2 What does Judas do?
AnswerJudas goes to the chief priests and officers, discusses how to betray Jesus, and agrees to receive money.
3 Who does Jesus send to prepare the Passover?
AnswerHe sends Peter and John to prepare the meal. They ask where it should be prepared and follow the sign Jesus gives them.
4 How do Peter and John find the place?
AnswerThey follow a man carrying a jar of water, ask for the guest room, and find everything as Jesus said.
What This Means for Us
The Passover preparation unfolds alongside a plot, betrayal, and spiritual opposition. Jesus is not surprised by the danger, and He continues preparing to share the meal with His disciples.
Exodus describes children asking what the Passover means and adults telling them what the Lord has done. Our family conversations about faith can be just as concrete. Explain what we remember, why it matters, and how God's mercy gives us reason to thank him.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, keep us faithful when betrayal and danger surround good work. Make our household truthful at the table, attentive to Your promises, and ready to remember the mercy You provide. Amen.