So the disciples did as Jesus had directed themThis phrase highlights the obedience of the disciples to Jesus' instructions. In the context of first-century Jewish culture, a rabbi's authority was highly respected, and disciples were expected to follow their teacher's guidance closely. This obedience is a recurring theme in the Gospels, emphasizing the importance of following Jesus' teachings. The disciples' actions here reflect their trust in Jesus, even when the full significance of His instructions might not have been clear to them at the time. This obedience can be seen as a model for Christian discipleship, where believers are called to follow Christ's commands faithfully.
and prepared the Passover.
The preparation of the Passover was a significant task, involving the selection and sacrifice of a lamb, as well as the preparation of unleavened bread and bitter herbs, in accordance with the instructions given inExodus 12. The Passover was a central Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt, and it held deep historical and spiritual significance. By preparing the Passover, the disciples were participating in a tradition that pointed to God's salvation and deliverance. This event also foreshadows Jesus' role as the Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice would bring about a new covenant and deliverance from sin, as seen in1 Corinthians 5:7, where Paul refers to Christ as "our Passover lamb." The preparation of the Passover thus serves as a type of Christ's redemptive work, fulfilling the prophetic symbolism of the Passover lamb.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is preparing for His final Passover before His crucifixion.
2.
The DisciplesThe followers of Jesus who are tasked with preparing the Passover meal, demonstrating their obedience and trust in His instructions.
3.
PassoverA significant Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt, symbolizing redemption and foreshadowing Jesus' sacrificial death.
4.
JerusalemThe city where these events take place, a central location for Jewish worship and the fulfillment of many prophecies.
5.
The Upper RoomThe specific place where the Passover meal is prepared and later shared, setting the stage for the Last Supper.
Teaching Points
Obedience to Christ's CommandsThe disciples' actions demonstrate the importance of following Jesus' instructions, even when the full picture is not clear. As believers, we are called to trust and obey His guidance in our lives.
Preparation for WorshipJust as the disciples prepared for the Passover, we should prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring that we approach God with reverence and readiness.
Significance of the PassoverUnderstanding the Passover's historical and spiritual significance enriches our appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice. It reminds us of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises through Christ.
Community and FellowshipThe preparation and sharing of the Passover meal highlight the importance of community and fellowship among believers. We are encouraged to gather together, support one another, and grow in faith collectively.
Anticipation of Christ's ReturnAs the disciples prepared for the Passover, we are reminded to live in anticipation of Christ's return, preparing our lives to be a reflection of His love and grace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 26:19?
2.How can we faithfully "prepare the Passover" in our daily spiritual practices?
3.What does Matthew 26:19 teach about obedience to Jesus' instructions?
4.How does this verse connect to Old Testament Passover preparations?
5.In what ways can we ensure readiness for Christ's return?
6.How can we apply the disciples' obedience in Matthew 26:19 to our lives?
7.What does Matthew 26:19 reveal about Jesus' authority over His disciples?
8.How does Matthew 26:19 demonstrate obedience to Jesus' instructions?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Matthew 26:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 26?
11.What were the key events in Jesus' trials?
12.Why does the Gospel of John place Jesus' crucifixion on a different day than the Synoptics?
13.What did Jesus mean by 'This is My Body'?
14.Why did Jesus tell His disciples not to preach to Gentiles (Matthew 10:5-6), but later command them to go to all nations (Matthew 28:19)?What Does Matthew 26:19 Mean
So the disciples did“Disciples” means learners who put truth into practice. Their immediate response underscores that genuine faith moves from hearing to doing (James 1:22;John 14:15).
• They obey without debate, mirroring the ready obedience of Abraham inGenesis 22:3 and Joseph inMatthew 1:24.
• Their action takes place despite looming danger (Matthew 26:3–5), showing that obedience is rooted in trust rather than circumstances.
• The simple word “did” reminds us that small acts of faithfulness are the building blocks of a life that pleases God (Luke 16:10).
as Jesus had directed themThe disciples’ obedience is not random; it is tied to explicit, authoritative instruction.
• Jesus had just given detailed orders about finding a man carrying water and securing a furnished upper room (Matthew 26:17-18;Mark 14:13-16).
• By following His exact words they declare, in action, that “all authority in heaven and on earth” already belongs to Him (Matthew 28:18).
• Their submission echoes Mary’s directive at Cana, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5), and anticipates the Great Commission’s call to teach “everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20).
• The accuracy of prophecy and fulfillment is on display: every instruction of Jesus proves dependable, reinforcing our confidence that “it is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18).
and prepared the PassoverPreparation for Passover bridges the old covenant shadow and the new covenant reality.
•Exodus 12 outlines the first Passover: a spotless lamb, blood applied, a meal eaten in haste. Now the disciples arrange the same memorial, unaware the true Lamb is in their midst (John 1:29;1 Corinthians 5:7).
• Their work involves securing the room, obtaining unleavened bread, wine, bitter herbs, and the lamb—ordinary tasks God uses for extraordinary purposes, much like the boy’s lunch inJohn 6:9.
• Jesus longed to eat this Passover “before I suffer” (Luke 22:15), because it would become the Lord’s Supper, a continuing proclamation of His death “until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26).
• By letting the disciples prepare, Christ invites His followers to participate in God’s redemptive plan rather than remain spectators (Ephesians 2:10).
summaryMatthew 26:19 captures obedient disciples carrying out specific commands to set the stage for the ultimate Passover fulfillment. Their ready action, submission to Jesus’ authority, and practical service weave together a picture of faith in motion, proving that when the Lord speaks, the wisest course is immediate, wholehearted obedience.
(19)
They made ready the passover.--It may be well to bring together the facts which these few words imply. The two disciples, after seeing that the room was "furnished," the tables arranged, probably in the form of a Roman
triclinium, and the benches covered with cushions, would have to purchase the lamb, the unleavened bread, and the bitter herbs, together with the wine and the conserve of sweet fruits which later practice had added to the older ritual. The Paschal victim would have to be slain in the courts of the Temple by one of the officiating priests. The lamb so slain would then be roasted, the bitter herbs prepared, and the table set out, and then, as sunset drew near, all would be ready for the Master and His disciples, who formed, on this occasion, the household which were to partake of the Paschal Supper.
Verse 19. -
Made ready the Passover (see on ver. 17). They got the room ready, provided unfermented bread, wine, bitter herbs, sauce, and some dishes necessary for the feast. They would not eat the Paschal lamb at the legal time tomorrow, so the Lord ordained a commemorative and anticipatory solemnity, in which he appointed a rite which should take the place of the Jewish ceremony. We learn from the other synoptists that the householder was not satisfied with offering Christ and his friends the use of the common hall, which they would have had to share probably with other guests; but he assigned to them his best and most honourable chamber, "a large upper room," already properly arranged and furnished for the feast. Tradition has maintained that this apartment was that afterwards used by the apostles as a place of assembling, and where they received the effusion of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Soκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theοἱ(hoi)Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.disciplesμαθηταὶ(mathētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.didἐποίησαν(epoiēsan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.had directedσυνέταξεν(synetaxen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4929:To arrange with, direct, appoint, prescribe, ordain. From sun and tasso; to arrange jointly, i.e. to direct.themαὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.preparedἡτοίμασαν(hētoimasan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2090:To make ready, prepare. From hetoimos; to prepare.theτὸ(to)Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Passover.πάσχα(pascha)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3957:The feast of Passover, the Passover lamb. Of Chaldee origin; the Passover.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 26:19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them (Matt. Mat Mt) 
