New Testament
Mark 14:12
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On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was sacrificed, his disciples asked him, "Where do you want us to go and prepare the Passover meal for you?"
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And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the passover, his disciples said unto him, Where wilt thou that we go and prepare that thou mayest eat the passover?
What Mark 14:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse takes place during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, a significant Jewish celebration that follows Passover. The disciples are inquiring about where to prepare the Passover meal, which is a ritual commemorating the Israelites' escape from Egypt. The mention of the Passover lamb being sacrificed highlights the importance of this event in Jewish tradition. The disciples' question shows their desire to fulfill the customs and ensure that Jesus has a proper meal for the celebration. This moment sets the stage for the Last Supper, where Jesus will share profound teachings and establish the new covenant. The urgency and importance of the preparations reflect the deep cultural and religious significance of the Passover, emphasizing themes of sacrifice, obedience, and community in the context of faith.
How to apply Mark 14:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to be proactive in our faith, seeking to prepare and create meaningful experiences for ourselves and others. Just as the disciples asked Jesus how to prepare for the Passover, we should seek guidance in our spiritual practices and community gatherings, ensuring they honor our beliefs and traditions.
Curated for this public verse page. Mark Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Last Supper (Mark 14:12–26)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Mark
- Author
- John Mark
- Written
- Around AD 55-65
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Roman and Gentile Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Mark 14:12 mean?
Mark 14:12 describes the moment when Jesus' disciples ask him where to prepare the Passover meal. This event occurs during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, highlighting the significance of the Passover in Jewish tradition and setting the stage for the Last Supper.
What is the significance of the Passover in Mark 14:12?
The Passover commemorates the Israelites' escape from Egypt, making it a crucial event in Jewish history. In Mark 14:12, the preparation for the Passover meal emphasizes themes of sacrifice and community, as Jesus prepares to share important teachings with his disciples.
What is the Festival of Unleavened Bread mentioned in Mark 14:12?
The Festival of Unleavened Bread is a Jewish celebration that follows Passover, lasting for seven days. It commemorates the haste with which the Israelites left Egypt, symbolizing freedom and the importance of removing leaven from their homes.
What does the mention of the Passover lamb signify in Mark 14:12?
The mention of the Passover lamb in Mark 14:12 highlights the sacrificial aspect of the Passover celebration. It symbolizes the deliverance of the Israelites and foreshadows the sacrifice that Jesus will make, linking the two events in a profound way.
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