Matthew 26:17

The first day. [Preparation for the Passover, Matt. 26:17-19=Mark 14:12-16=Luke 22:7-13. Major comment: Matthew.] Mark makes the additional observation that the “first day of unleavened bread” was the time “when they killed the passover” (Mark 14:12). Luke identifies the day as the time “when the passover must be killed.”

The designation “first day of unleavened bread,” for the day that the Passover was killed, is somewhat unusual. Normally the 14th of Nisan is designated as the day for the slaying the Passover lamb and the 15th of Nisan as the first day of unleavened bread (Lev. 23:5, 6; see Vol. II, p. 105). Because of the close relationship between the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread the two terms were sometimes used interchangeably, and the entire feast called by either one or the other of the two names (see Talmud Pesahim 5a, Soncino ed., pp. 15-17; cf. Josephus Antiquities ii. 15. 1 [315-317]). The present incident occurred on Thursday. For the relationship between this event and the Passover, and for the apparent discrepancy between the synoptic writers and John concerning the dating of the Passover, see Additional Notes at end of chapter, Note 1.

Unleavened bread. See on Ex. 12:8; Lev. 23:6; Num. 28:17; Deut. 16:3, 8; see Vol. I, p. 709; Vol. II, p. 108.

The disciples came. The head of the household had the responsibility of making arrangements for the celebration of the Passover, as he had for all other religious interests of the family. He was, in a sense, the priest of the family. Being, spiritually, “members of the family of Jesus” (DA 349), the disciples naturally turned to Him for directions concerning their preparation for the Passover. It was apparently Thursday morning, Nisan 13, when they came to Jesus (see Additional Notes at end of chapter, Note 1), for they celebrated the Passover together that same night (see Matt. 26:17, 20; 14:12, 16-18; Luke 22:7,8,13-15).

Where wilt thou? Apparently even the disciples closest to Christ (Luke 22:8; cf. DA 292) did not as yet know in detail, at least, what plans Jesus had for the Passover supper. It seems evident, therefore, that Judas would not know either. Ever since his first contact with the Sanhedrin the preceding Saturday night (see on Matt. 26:3, 5), and particularly since his second contact with them, which probably took place Tuesday night (DA 645, 655, 716, 720), Judas was looking for a suitable opportunity to betray Christ (see on v. 16). Some have suggested that this situation may have accounted for the fact that Jesus waited till almost the last moment before making arrangements for the Passover. However, even then, the instructions He gave to Peter and John were such that neither they nor the rest of the Twelve knew where they were to celebrate the Passover. It would only be somewhat later the same day that, upon the return of Peter and John, all would know where they were to be, and Judas would have little time to lay plans for betraying Jesus to the leaders during the quiet hour He spent with His disciples in the upper room. These precautions may have been taken because Jesus chose not to be molested during that sacred occasion, the last time He would be together with the Twelve, for He had most important instructions to give them.

The passover. See Additional Notes at end of chapter, Note 1.