And he will show you a large upper roomIn the context of the Last Supper, the "large upper room" refers to a space in a house that was often used for gatherings or special occasions. Upper rooms were common in Jewish homes, typically located on the second floor, providing privacy and a place for important events. This particular room was large enough to accommodate Jesus and His disciples, indicating the significance of the gathering. The use of an upper room is also seen in
Acts 1:13, where the disciples gathered after Jesus' ascension, suggesting a place of fellowship and prayer. The room's size and location highlight the importance of the event that would unfold there, the institution of the Lord's Supper.
already furnished
The room being "already furnished" suggests that it was prepared in advance, possibly indicating divine providence in the arrangements for the Passover meal. This detail underscores the readiness and hospitality of the host, who may have been a follower of Jesus. The furnishings would have included the necessary items for a Passover meal, such as tables, cushions for reclining, and utensils. This preparation aligns with the Jewish custom of ensuring everything was in place for the Passover, a significant feast commemorating Israel's deliverance from Egypt (Exodus 12). The readiness of the room reflects the meticulous planning and fulfillment of God's purposes.
Make preparations there.
Jesus instructs His disciples to "make preparations there," emphasizing the importance of the Passover meal they were about to share. This preparation involved procuring the lamb, unleavened bread, wine, and bitter herbs, all elements of the traditional Passover Seder. The directive to prepare highlights the disciples' role in participating in God's plan and the significance of the meal as a precursor to Jesus' impending sacrifice. The Passover itself is a type of Christ, symbolizing deliverance and redemption, with Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). This preparation sets the stage for the new covenant Jesus would establish through His death and resurrection.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure in the Gospel of Luke, who is orchestrating the events leading up to the Last Supper.
2.
DisciplesSpecifically, Peter and John, who are sent by Jesus to prepare the Passover meal.
3.
The Man Carrying a Jar of WaterA sign given by Jesus to the disciples to identify the location of the Passover meal.
4.
The Upper RoomA significant location where the Last Supper takes place, symbolizing a place of fellowship and divine instruction.
5.
PassoverA Jewish feast commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, which Jesus reinterprets in the context of His impending sacrifice.
Teaching Points
Divine Preparation and ProvisionGod prepares the way for His purposes to be fulfilled. Just as the room was prepared, God prepares our hearts and circumstances for His work.
Obedience to Divine InstructionThe disciples followed Jesus' instructions without question. We are called to trust and obey God's guidance, even when the path is not fully clear.
Significance of FellowshipThe Upper Room symbolizes a place of intimate fellowship with Christ. We should seek to cultivate spaces in our lives where we can commune deeply with God and fellow believers.
Symbolism of the PassoverThe Passover meal foreshadows Christ's sacrifice. Understanding the Old Testament roots enriches our appreciation of the New Covenant.
Role of Ordinary People in God's PlanThe unnamed man carrying water played a crucial role in God's plan. God often uses ordinary people and actions to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Luke 22:12?
2.How does Luke 22:12 demonstrate God's provision for His plans?
3.What role does obedience play in the fulfillment of Luke 22:12?
4.How does Luke 22:12 connect to God's sovereignty throughout Scripture?
5.How can we trust God's guidance in our daily lives, as seen in Luke 22:12?
6.What practical steps can we take to prepare for God's purposes, like in Luke 22:12?
7.What is the significance of the "large upper room" in Luke 22:12?
8.How does Luke 22:12 relate to the Last Supper's historical context?
9.Why is the preparation for the Passover meal important in Luke 22:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Luke 22?
11.Why is the Upper Room significant?
12.What events occurred during the Last Supper?
13.What events occurred during Jesus' final hours?
14.What events occurred during the Last Supper?What Does Luke 22:12 Mean
And he will show youJesus has just sent Peter and John ahead (Luke 22:8-10), telling them that a man carrying a jar of water will meet them and lead them to the right place.
• This detail shows Christ’s sovereign foreknowledge—nothing is accidental (John 2:25;Mark 14:13-15).
• As with the signs given to Saul in1 Samuel 10:2-7, God often confirms His word through precise, observable events.
• The disciples’ task is simple: follow and watch. God provides the guide; they supply the obedience.
a large upper roomUpper rooms in first-century Jerusalem were private, elevated spaces, ideal for gatherings (Acts 1:13;2 Kings 4:10).
• “Large” assures room for Jesus and the Twelve, plus space for reclining at table (Luke 22:14).
• Previous moments of revelation happened in similar settings—think of Pentecost in an upper room (Acts 2:1-4)—reminding us that God meets His people in prepared, set-apart places.
• Hospitality matters; an unnamed homeowner willingly opens his best room (Hebrews 13:2).
already furnished“And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished.” –Luke 22:12
• The table, cushions, and Passover implements are in place before the disciples arrive. God’s provision precedes human action (Psalm 23:5;Philippians 4:19).
• Nothing left to chance: even the smallest details of redemption’s timetable are under divine control (Luke 12:30-32).
• Like the widow’s jar of oil prepared for Elijah (1 Kings 17:9-16), this room illustrates that when God calls, He equips.
Make preparations thereWith the location secured, Peter and John still must:
• Purchase and roast the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:3-6).
• Set out unleavened bread, bitter herbs, and wine (Exodus 12:8).
• Arrange seating for the meal that will become the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20).
Their obedience partners with God’s provision—our hands complete what God’s heart has planned (James 2:22). The Passover points to Jesus, “our Passover Lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7), soon to be sacrificed for sin (John 1:29).
summaryLuke 22:12 reveals a Savior who has every detail in hand: He directs His followers to the right guide, the right place, and the fully supplied setting. The disciples’ part is simply to trust and prepare. God’s sovereignty and human obedience work together so that, in a room readied before they arrive, the final Passover and first Lord’s Supper can unfold right on schedule.
Verse 12. -
And he shall show you a largeupper room furnished: there make ready. The house which possessed so large an upper chamber must have been one of considerable size, and evidently belonged to a man of some wealth and position, possibly to Nicodemus or Joseph of Arimathaea. That it perhaps belonged to St. Mark's family has also been suggested. It had evidently been prepared beforehand for the purpose of the feast, in obedience to a previous direction of Jesus. "Furnished" (
ἐστρωμώνον,) applies specially to carpets spread over the couches for the reception of guests. "In this large upper chamber thus prepared," said the Lord, "make the necessary arrangements for the Paschal Supper; procuring and preparing the lamb, the unleavened bread, the herbs, and other customary dishes." It seems probable that this" large upper room," evidently belonging to a disciple, or at least to one friendly to Jesus, was the same room which, in the happier hours
after the Resurrection, witnessed the appearance of the Risen to the eleven, and, later, the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
And heκἀκεῖνος(kakeinos)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2548:And he, she, it, and that. From kai and ekeinos; likewise that.will showδείξει(deixei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1166:A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.youὑμῖν(hymin)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.a large,μέγα(mega)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.furnishedἐστρωμένον(estrōmenon)Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4766:To spread, make a bed. Or simpler stronnuo, prolongation from a still simpler stroo, ; to 'strew, ' i.e. Spread.upper room.ἀνάγαιον(anagaion)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 508:From ano and ge; above the ground, i.e. the second floor of a building; used for a dome or a balcony on the upper story.Make the preparationsἑτοιμάσατε(hetoimasate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 2090:To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.there.”ἐκεῖ(ekei)Adverb
Strong's 1563:(a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.
Links
Luke 22:12 NIVLuke 22:12 NLTLuke 22:12 ESVLuke 22:12 NASBLuke 22:12 KJV
Luke 22:12 BibleApps.comLuke 22:12 Biblia ParalelaLuke 22:12 Chinese BibleLuke 22:12 French BibleLuke 22:12 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Luke 22:12 He will show you a large furnished (Luke Lu Lk)