New Testament
Mark 14:13
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He sent 2 of his disciples ahead, telling them, "Go into the city, and you'll meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him.
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And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him.
What Mark 14:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs two of his disciples to go into the city to find a man carrying a pitcher of water. This task seems simple, but it is significant because it shows Jesus' foreknowledge and planning. The man with the water pitcher is likely a servant, as carrying water was typically a task assigned to women or servants in that culture. By following this man, the disciples will be led to a place where they can prepare for the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in the Christian faith. This instruction highlights the importance of obedience and trust in Jesus' guidance. The disciples are to act on faith, following the man without knowing exactly where he will lead them. This moment emphasizes the theme of divine providence, as Jesus orchestrates events leading up to his crucifixion. It also illustrates the idea that God often works through ordinary people and situations to fulfill His plans.
How to apply Mark 14:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's guidance, even when we don't have all the details. Like the disciples, we are called to follow God's direction with faith, knowing that He has a plan for us. We should be attentive to the signs and people He places in our path.
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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Jesus
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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Related topics
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 14:13 teach about obedience?
Mark 14:13 illustrates the importance of obedience to Jesus' instructions. The disciples are asked to follow a man carrying a pitcher of water without knowing where he will lead them. This act of following demonstrates their trust in Jesus' guidance and plan, reminding us that obedience often requires faith, even when the path is unclear.
Why is the man with the water pitcher significant?
The man carrying a pitcher of water is significant because he symbolizes servanthood and the fulfillment of Jesus' plan. In the cultural context of the time, carrying water was typically a task for servants or women, indicating that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His purposes. This moment also sets the stage for the Last Supper, a crucial event in the Christian faith.
How can we apply Mark 14:13 to our lives today?
We can apply Mark 14:13 by learning to trust in God's guidance in our own lives. Just as the disciples followed the man without knowing the destination, we are called to follow God's direction with faith. This verse encourages us to be attentive to the signs and people God places in our path, reminding us that He has a plan for us, even when we cannot see the full picture.
How does this verse reflect the theme of faith?
This verse reflects the theme of faith by demonstrating the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus' instructions without knowing the outcome. Their action of following the man with the water pitcher exemplifies a leap of faith, encouraging us to trust in God's guidance and to act on His word, even when we lack complete understanding of the situation.
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