What does Luke 22:9 mean?
Explanation
The verse [And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?] comes from Luke 22:9 in the King James Version of the Bible.
This verse is a part of the narrative leading up to the Last Supper, a pivotal event in the Christian gospel accounts.
The "they" here refers to Jesus’ disciples, specifically Peter and John, according to prior verses in Luke 22.
They are inquiring of Jesus where He would like them to make preparations for the Passover meal, which holds deep significance in Jewish tradition as a remembrance of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt.
On a deeper level, this event will become the backdrop for Jesus to institute the Eucharist, or communion, which Christians partake in remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice.
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Historical Context
Luke 22 describes events that occurred in the context of the Jewish observance of Passover in first-century Jerusalem.
Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals, rooted in the biblical story of Exodus, where God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
At the time of Jesus, Jews would pilgrimage to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover.
The request for a place to prepare the meal underscores the practical concern for a space to observe this important ritual.
Theological Insights
Theologically, this verse is significant for several reasons.
Firstly, it portrays the disciples' obedience to Jesus, seeking guidance even in logistic matters.
Secondly, it is prelude to the institution of the Last Supper, which has immense theological significance, especially in the Christian belief of Jesus as the 'Lamb of God.' The Passover meal becomes the context in which Jesus presents Himself as the sacrificial lamb, symbolizing the new covenant between God and humanity.
Different Christian traditions interpret the Last Supper and the act of communion through various theological lenses, such as transubstantiation, consubstantiation, and memorialism.
Practical Applications
Practically, the disciples’ question teaches the value of preparedness and seeking direction.
In daily life, this verse may inspire believers to make spiritual preparations, such as creating time and space for worship and reflection.
It also speaks to the importance of asking for guidance in both spiritual and practical matters, and being sensitive to the directives we might receive from religious leaders or through prayer.
Cross-References
Here are some related verses from the King James Version of the Bible that provide further context or parallel the themes found in Luke 22:9:
- Matthew 26:17-19: "Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?"
- Mark 14:12-16: "And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?"
- Luke 22:7-8: "Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat."
- Exodus 12:14-20: Instructions for the Passover meal that provides the historical roots for the event.
Language Study
In the original Greek, the verb "prepare" is παρασκευάσωμεν (paraskeuasōmen), which means “to prepare" or "make ready,” and it is used in a context of readiness for an event.
The term reflects the attention to detail and the significance of the event.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
The Passover meal in the Jewish tradition can be compared with other ancient feasts and religious meals, such as the Babylonian Akitu festival or the Roman feasts honoring their gods.
Religious meals often have the dual function of community bonding and religious significance, which we see mirrored in the Passover meal and the Christian Eucharist.
Scientific Perspectives
Scientific perspectives might touch upon the psychology of ritual and how humans find meaning in repeated communal acts.
There is also psychological importance in preparation and anticipation of events, which can enhance an individual’s experience of the event when it occurs.
Commentaries
Commentators on this passage of Luke's Gospel often emphasize the obedience and willingness of the disciples, the significance of Passover preparation, and the foreshadowing of a new type of Passover celebration introduced by Jesus.
Matthew Henry's Commentary points out the disciples' deference to Jesus in asking for his preference on where to prepare the meal, rather than making assumptions.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary further notes the transition from the traditional Jewish observance to the foundation of a new Christian understanding and observance in the Last Supper, focusing on Jesus as the central figure of redemption rather than the escape from Egypt.