New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 26:18

The Last Supper

He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’” Matthew 26:18 · Berean Standard Bible
What It Means

Matthew 26:18, in plain English

Jesus gives them specific instructions: go to a certain man in the city and tell him that the Teacher says His time is near.

Why it's here

Jesus has been saying His time was coming throughout the Gospel. Now He says it is here. Every detail is under His control, even where they will eat.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks with calm authority, directing the arrangements for His final meal.

Where it sits in the story

In the middle of chaos and conspiracy, Jesus is completely in command. He has prepared for this moment, and nothing about it is accidental.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus sends disciples to an unnamed man in the city with a message referencing 'My time' (ho kairos mou), demonstrating His sovereign awareness and orchestration of events.

Language and setting

The phrase ho kairos mou carries theological weight — this is not mere scheduling but the appointed time of salvation history. The pre-arranged meeting suggests Jesus had planned this in advance.

Voice

Jesus gives specific instructions to His disciples, referencing His appointed hour.

Significance

Even in the details of meal preparation, Jesus operates with divine intentionality — His 'time' is the cosmic moment toward which all of Scripture has pointed.

In context

Matthew 26:16–20

16So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

17On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”

18He answered, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him that the Teacher says, ‘My time is near. I will keep the Passover with My disciples at your house.’”

19So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

20When evening came, Jesus was reclining with the twelve disciples.

Read all of Matthew 26 — Bread broken. Wine poured. A betrayal predicted. The longest night in history begins around a table.

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