Luke 22:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Yet, it seems they may face humbling experiences even in this life, while the humble in spirit receive honor and glory from God. As a follower of Christ notes, ‘Let the humble brother boast in his exaltation, but let the rich man boast in his humiliation, because he, like a flower of grass, passes away.’ Thus, the assertion that the soul of every saint is an ‘upper room’ holds true.

By omitting the man’s name, He emphasizes that this person is unknown, as there was no previous arrangement via the known name, only a description of his appearance. According to Mark, this individual was indeed carrying a water vessel.

The disciples are directed to follow him. Why does he own the house? This designation points to his devoutness rather than his riches. Why is the room set aside in the upper area? This fact reflects the esteemed character of the host, in which both the Lord and His disciples would find solace, elevated in moral stature. Oh, if I had been fortunate enough to carry such a water jug! Oh, if I had taken a vessel like the one prepared by this honorable master of the house! What does a jug represent if not a complete measure, holding a great deal? The Lord declares, “They will give you a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing.”

What can I say about water? Take notice: in Genesis, it is written that "the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." O water, you cleanse a world saturated with sin and symbolize the current sanctification! O water, you are privileged to embody the sacrament of Christ, cleansing all while remaining unsoiled. You are the foremost of sacraments, embodying their fullness. In you lies the inception, and through you, we grasp eternity. You preserve raw flesh from corruption and, when combined with salt, you stave off decay. You are the source of sustenance for all creatures suffering from thirst. You are sweet, nourishing, life-giving, and delightful. You named the prophets and the apostles, and you named the Savior. The prophets reflect the clouds of heaven, the apostles are the salt of the earth, and the Savior is the fountain of life.

The mountains may constrain you, yet they do not dominate you; you carve through rock without breaking. You flow over the earth without ever running dry. You spring forth from the depths of the earth, bringing life and fertile moisture through your torrents. Your abundant rains ensure that the land does not lose its vigor to drought but yields its harvest in due season. You are the synthesis of all nature’s elements, formed by the sky, air, sea, and earth. You were drawn from a rock by the prophet's staff to quench the thirst of nations. When you flowed from the Savior’s side, those who witnessed it believed. You are one of the three witnesses of our rebirth, as Scripture says: “Three witnesses: the water, the blood, and the Spirit.” Water purifies, blood redeems, and the Spirit brings life.

Luke notes that the Lord provided a sign for identifying the location of the Passover preparation: Upon entering the city, they would encounter a man carrying a water jar. They were instructed to follow him to his house and announce to the owner that the Teacher had sent them. The signs given are indeed rather unremarkable, and it seems inappropriate for a mere mortal to address an unfamiliar host in such a manner. However, similar to when the Savior instructed His disciples to acquire a donkey for His entry into Jerusalem, assuring them that if questioned, they were to inform the inquirer that the Lord needed it, here too He acts with that same divine authority. This is analogous to the divine command that led to a miraculous catch of fish to cover their tribute obligations. Should the disciples inform the master that "The Master speaks to you," it suggests that the household was among those who followed Jesus, part of a group that respected His teachings. This illustrates the fact that Jesus faced hostility from numerous individuals in Jerusalem, yet there were also individuals who were loyal and held Him in high regard as a significant miracle worker. One of these devoted individuals would relay the message from Jesus and fulfill His request. In this act, the Lord imparts to His disciples, including Judas, a profound insight into future events. The phrase "My time is near" carries deep implications; it signifies more than merely the approach of the Passover, a date well known among the Jewish people and disciples. Therefore, there was no need for Jesus to remind the host of this timing. The essence of "My time" reflects a broader significance. Earlier, the Savior had declared, "My time is not yet come," when discussing His journey to Jerusalem for the feast. Now, however, He proclaims that the appointed hour has arrived for the completion of the task assigned to Him by His Heavenly Father, motivated by His affection for humanity; the time has come for Him to sacrifice His life for His beloved. St. John captures the feelings and intentions of the Savior beautifully. Before the Feast of the Passover, John recounts that Jesus recognized the moment had arrived for Him to transition from this world to the Father, having loved His own throughout His earthly ministry, loving them to the very end. The Lord knew the time had come for Him to depart from the world, yet he loved those He was leaving behind until His final moment; despite one disciple's betrayal and Peter’s impending denial, He loved them to the utmost. At the Last Supper, He instituted a remarkable testament of His boundless love for them—the sacrament of communion, representing His body and blood, which would be celebrated on earth until the end of time. This emphasizes that His surrender to adversaries does not signify an outcome contrary to His will, nor to divine foreknowledge and intention. He foresaw His crucifixion and willingly proceeded to Calvary in obedience to His Father's will, motivated by love for those His death would redeem. The words "I will make the Passover" exemplify His obedience to the Passover customs, adhering to the law as desired by God. The Son of God ritually observed the commandments of the law because He wished to honor the festivity. He sought to celebrate it with His disciples, desiring to be with them as a loving Father is with His children, demonstrating this affection through His actions.

By choosing His two most trustworthy disciples for this task, He refrained from revealing the name of the house owner, perhaps to prevent Judas from discovering it and relaying the information to the religious authorities. It was vital for the Lord that this Supper take place in a state of serene secrecy.

When he enters the house, ask him in My name, ‘Where is the room where I and My disciples may partake of the Passover?’ He will lead you to a spacious room furnished with carpets, prepared for this purpose; there make the arrangements.”