Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 22:13

"And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover." — Luke 22:13 (ASV)

Luke now sharpens his chronology, clearly stating it was the day of sacrifice—normally Nisan 14. The actual Passover meal was celebrated after sundown (i.e., Nisan 15; see comments on Mk 14:1–2, 12).

Jesus initiated plans for the Passover arrangements. His instructions guaranteed privacy, indeed, secrecy, perhaps to avoid his premature arrest. Verses 10–12 show his supernatural knowledge. The disciples were to follow a man carrying a water jar. Ordinarily only women carried jars; men used leather skins for water.

The “large upper room” was on the second story under a flat roof, accessible by an outside stairway. It was “furnished” with the couches for reclining at a Passover meal and with necessary utensils. The disciples found things “just as Jesus told them.”