Luke 22:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Following this reflective state, we shall enter the realm of the intellect, where its guiding force will reveal to us an expansive and elaborately adorned upper chamber. This "upper room" symbolizes the elevated aspects of our minds, encompassing divine and spiritual matters that it engages with in love. These matters are orderly, devoid of harshness; even those crooked understandings within such a mind are transformed into paths of righteousness, as Solomon proclaimed: "they are all clear to the prudent, and just to them that have acquired knowledge" (Proverbs 8:9). It is not inaccurate to assert that while the mind performs noble tasks, it operates within the limits of its own capacity, and its understanding remains connected to earthly concerns.

And elevates us to a status where we can be seen as an ‘upper room.’ Those who have Christ residing within them through faith possess a mindset that aspires to greater heights, refusing to live in the dust, and striving, so to speak, for that which uplifts righteousness. For it is stated, ‘the mighty ones of God are exalted above the earth.’ 'For here they have no permanent city, but seek what is to come.' As they journey on this earth, their minds are focused on what lies above, as they dwell in heaven.

As you approach the city, you will encounter a man bearing a jug of water. This signifies preparations for the Passover celebration and the Last Supper. It is crucial to observe where the Lord chooses to hold the Passover. In Matthew, you will find it recorded: "Go into the city to such-and-such a person." Above all, acknowledge His divine grandeur! Christ speaks to His disciples, fully aware of the forthcoming events occurring elsewhere. Recognize His humility in His choice; He does not seek out the affluent or powerful but instead shows preference for the humble and the small, opting for the simple abode of the poor over the lavish residences of the elite. He instructs them to go to a specific individual.

In the sixty-third chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew, seek understanding in the phrase, 'He said, “Go into the city to so-and-so,”’ and so forth. This passage encapsulates the entirety of the message.

The Hebrews referred to the upper section of their living spaces as the upper room, distinguishing it as a private area away from the surrounding noise. However, for the chosen gathering of the Savior, this upper room for His Last Supper was not just private but also expansive, well-prepared (Mark 14:15), and adorned with festive decorations. It is important to remember, beloved, that our Savior preferred simplicity in all aspects of life—His attire, His meals, and His way of living. Yet, when He desired to present the sacred meal to His disciples, He selected a grand upper room that was spacious and tastefully arranged. This setting befits the sacred mystery of the Eucharist, following the Savior's guidance.

The initial blueprint for Christian sanctuaries can be traced back to the “great upper room” (Luke 22:12), where the Lord established and first celebrated the sacrament of His Body and Blood. This space was designated by Him for this sacred purpose, and as the ultimate Hierarch, He sanctified it. Consequently, the structure of the Christian sanctuary is such that the authority to define and consecrate it resides with the Hierarch. The Lord specifically designated the great upper room for the New Covenant's sacrament of His Body and Blood, leading to the principle that every Christian temple is primarily intended for this sacrament, while other sacraments may be conducted elsewhere if necessary, which inherently necessitates the hierarchical consecration of the temple.

Although the other disciples were unaware of the unfolding events, the Lord was fully aware and patiently awaited His appointed time. He anticipated departing from His disciples prior to the anticipated feast, leading Him to imbue His final meal with them with profound significance that echoed the Jewish Passover meal, and more importantly, to establish a Christian New Covenant meal in place of the Old Covenant feast. On the thirteenth of Nisan, He likely spent His final moments in Bethany with His disciples. However, early that morning, He sent Peter and John to Jerusalem to inform the homeowner of His desire to prepare for the Passover celebration.

The Arrangement of the Passover for Jesus and the Disciples The disciples Peter and John inquired of Jesus, “Where would You like us to prepare the Passover meal? Please instruct us, and we will make the arrangements” (Mark 14:12). Deep in contemplation of His approaching crucifixion, Jesus, almost as though He were not fully hearing them, replied, “Indeed, go and make preparations for us to celebrate the Passover.” They then pressed Him once more, “Where should we prepare it for You?” - Where indeed should the Passover be set for Christ, who had no place to rest His head? Does the location truly matter? - “Go,” He instructed them, “into the city; at its entrance, you will encounter a man bearing a pitcher of water.

The Redeemer instructed the apostles Peter and John to journey to Jerusalem, indicating to them a significant sign. He told them that upon reaching the entrance of the city gate, they would encounter a servant carrying a water pitcher filled from one of the wells for the evening meal. If they followed him, they would arrive at a house where they were to inform the owner of the Master's desire to observe the Passover with His disciples there. This owner (thought by some to be Joseph of Arimathea) would readily provide them with an upper room that was fully prepared with the required furnishings. They discovered everything as Jesus had described, and on that very day, they made the preparations for the Passover.