What is the meaning of Matthew 26:18? He answered - Jesus responds decisively, demonstrating sovereign control over the unfolding events (John 10:18). - His answer fulfills His role as the Good Shepherd who guides every move of His followers (Psalm 23:1–3; John 14:4). Go into the city - “The city” is Jerusalem, the prophetic stage for redemption (Luke 9:51). - Jerusalem had long been identified as the place where God’s salvation plan would climax (Isaiah 2:3; Zechariah 9:9). - Jesus’ directive underscores deliberate obedience to Scripture—He approaches Passover in its biblically prescribed setting (Deuteronomy 16:5–6). to a certain man - The unnamed host highlights God’s hidden yet prepared provision (1 Kings 17:9; Matthew 21:3). - Anonymity shifts attention from human characters to God’s sovereign orchestration (Acts 9:10–12). and tell him that the Teacher says - “The Teacher” (cf. John 13:13) reveals Christ’s recognized authority among His followers (Matthew 7:29). - This title signals submission: the man is expected to obey simply because the Teacher speaks (Luke 6:46). - Jesus communicates indirectly, protecting the secrecy of the location from hostile leaders (John 11:57). ‘My time is near - “My time” refers to His appointed hour of suffering and triumph (John 2:4; 12:23). - Nearness reinforces prophetic fulfillment—God’s timetable is punctual (Galatians 4:4). - The statement conveys resolve; Jesus embraces the cross, not evading it (Luke 12:50). I will keep the Passover - He affirms commitment to the Law (Exodus 12:14; Matthew 5:17). - The Passover lamb foreshadows Him as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:7). - Observing Passover sets the stage for instituting the Lord’s Supper, transforming the meal’s meaning (Luke 22:15–20). with My disciples - Fellowship cements their covenant bond (John 15:15). - Sharing the meal equips them for impending trials (John 13:1). - This inclusive “with” anticipates the Church’s unity around Christ’s sacrifice (Acts 2:42). at your house - The ordinary home becomes sacred space when Christ is present (Luke 19:5–6). - Hospitality partners with divine purpose (Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2). - The private setting allows intimate teaching and servant-hood, exemplified in foot-washing (John 13:3–17). summary Jesus deliberately directs every detail of His final Passover: the city, the host, the timing, and the company. Scripture’s prophetic timetable governs His steps. By keeping Passover with His disciples in a prepared home, He fulfills the Law, models humble fellowship, and positions Himself as the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice inaugurates the new covenant. |
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