New Testament · Gospel

Mark 14:12

Betrayal Begins

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” Mark 14:12 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Mark 14:12, in plain English

On the day when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, the disciples asked Jesus, 'Where do you want us to set up the Passover meal?'

Why it's here

This was the most important meal of the Jewish year, commemorating God's deliverance from Egypt. Jesus was about to transform it into something even greater.

Who's speaking

The disciples ask Jesus a practical question about the Passover.

Where it sits in the story

A simple question about dinner plans, but this meal would change the world. The disciples had no idea they were about to witness the birth of a new covenant.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

The first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed (on Nisan 14), provides the liturgical framework for the Last Supper narrative.

Language and setting

The disciples' question about Passover preparations assumes Jesus intends to celebrate the traditional Seder, which He will radically reinterpret with new covenantal meaning.

Voice

The disciples ask Jesus about Passover preparations.

Significance

The Passover setting is theologically significant: Jesus, the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), will institute the new covenant meal on the night the lambs are slaughtered.

In context

Mark 14:10–14

10Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.

11They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money.

12On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed, Jesus’ disciples asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

13So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him,

14and whichever house he enters, say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is My guest room, where I may eat the Passover with My disciples?’

Read all of Mark 14 — A woman anoints Jesus with costly perfume while Judas negotiates his price. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, and Peter's denial unfold in rapid succession.

Understand every verse, not just this one

This page covers one. BibleKey does all 31,102 — tap any verse for its meaning, any word for its Hebrew or Greek root, and keep reading without leaving the chapter.

Get BibleKey

Understand every verse.

Not just the famous ones. BibleKey is free on iPhone and iPad.

Download on the App Store

Free on iPhone & iPad