Mark 14:12-16

The Preparation (14:12-16).

While some have seen in what happens here a kind of ‘miracle' it is far more probable that it is an indication of how carefully Jesus has prepared for this Passover meal. Aware as He was of what Judas was doing, and of what the Sanhedrin were planning, He wanted to ensure secrecy, so that only His most trusted followers knew where the gathering would take place until it actually occurred, and yet to ensure a satisfactory Passover meal. Thus He had made careful arrangements beforehand with someone whom He knew He could trust (it was even possibly Mark's parents' house).

However, one question that may be asked is as to why Mark gives as much space to this preparation of the Passover as he does to the Passover meal itself. It suggests that we are to look within it for symbolic significance (which would be typical of Mark). Perhaps there is in the man carrying the pitcher of water the intention of pointing back to the water carrier of Isaiah 55:1, with the indication that in that room will be found the secret of eternal life and the sealing of the everlasting covenant.

Furthermore the detailed description of the large guest room may well have been seen as a reminder of the ample room and preparation that Jesus always makes for His own. Compare John 14:2, ‘in My Father's house are many resting places -- I go to prepare a place for you', and the new wine that they will drink with Him under the Kingly Rule of God (Mark 14:25).

If these meanings were seen as inherent in the passage we can see why they are given in such detail.

Analysis.

a And on the first day of Unleavened Bread when they used to sacrifice (‘when it was customary to sacrifice') the Passover, His disciples say to him, “Where do you want us to go and make ready so that you may eat the Passover?” (Mark 14:12).

b And he sends two of his disciples and says to them, “Go into the city and there a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him” (Mark 14:13).

c “And wherever he will enter in say to the goodman of the house, ‘The Teacher says, where is my guest room where I will eat the Passover with my disciples?' And he will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. And there make ready for us” (Mark 14:14).

b And the disciples went out and came into the city and found as He had said to them (Mark 14:16 a).

a And they made ready the Passover (Mark 14:16 b).

Note that in ‘a' they ask where they are to make ready the Passover, and in the parallel they make ready the Passover. In ‘b' He sends them into the city and tells them what they will find, and in the parallel they come into the city and discover that it is as He described. Centrally in ‘c' we have the description of where the Passover will be held.