New Testament
Matthew 26:18
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He said, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My time has come. I will celebrate the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"
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And he said, Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master saith, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at thy house with my disciples.
What Matthew 26:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus instructs his disciples to go into the city and find a specific man. He tells them to inform this man that He, referred to as 'The Teacher' or 'The Master,' is ready to celebrate the Passover meal with His disciples at his house. This moment is significant as it marks the approach of Jesus' crucifixion, indicating that His time on earth is coming to an end. The Passover is a Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' escape from Egypt, and Jesus' participation in it highlights the connection between His impending sacrifice and the themes of redemption and deliverance. This instruction also shows Jesus' authority and foreknowledge, as He knows exactly where and when the meal will take place, emphasizing His divine nature and the fulfillment of prophecy.
How to apply Matthew 26:18 to your life
This verse encourages us to be attentive to God's guidance in our lives. Just as the disciples followed Jesus' instructions, we should seek to understand and act on God's direction, trusting that He has a plan for us and that we are part of something greater.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17–30)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Keep studying Matthew 26:18
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Jesus mean by 'My time has come'?
In Matthew 26:18, when Jesus says 'My time has come,' He is referring to the imminent events leading to His crucifixion. This phrase indicates that the moment for His sacrificial death and the fulfillment of His mission on earth is approaching. It highlights the significance of the Passover meal as a pivotal moment in salvation history, where Jesus prepares to establish a new covenant through His sacrifice.
Why did Jesus choose to celebrate Passover with His disciples?
Jesus chose to celebrate Passover with His disciples to connect His impending sacrifice with the themes of redemption and deliverance found in the Passover festival. The Passover commemorates the Israelites' escape from Egypt, and by participating in this meal, Jesus signifies that He is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice will bring salvation to humanity. This act also reinforces the importance of community and fellowship among His followers.
Who is the 'certain man' mentioned in Matthew 26:18?
The 'certain man' referred to in Matthew 26:18 is traditionally understood to be a disciple or follower of Jesus who is not named in the text. This man is significant because he provides a place for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate the Passover. The anonymity of this figure emphasizes that God often works through ordinary people to fulfill His divine purposes.
What is the significance of the Passover in this context?
The Passover is significant in this context as it represents both a historical event and a prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' sacrifice. It commemorates the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, paralleling Jesus' role in liberating humanity from sin. By celebrating Passover, Jesus aligns His impending death with the themes of sacrifice and redemption, illustrating that He is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb, whose blood brings salvation.
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