And He sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat. And they said unto Him, Where wilt Thou that we prepare? Luke 22:8-9
Even today, most Jews place great emphasis on the preparation for and conducting of the Passover, or Pesach. Great care has to be taken, because this is the most important event of the year for the Jew, a remembrance of the deliverance of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. The Seder meal is a lengthy ritual that involves all members of the family. Preparation includes removing all leaven from the house, arranging special food on special plates, and making ready for the different cups of wine or grape juice to be partaken of. In our text, Jesus was sending Peter and John to perform an important and significant task. As Jews, they knew what had to be done. And they did not shirk the task, although it was huge. But they didn’t know where. Jesus didn’t exactly tell them where. But He did tell them how they were to find out. Just like He tells us today how to find His purpose for our days and for our lives.
How did Jesus know about the man with a pitcher of water? And how did He know the man was going to the house with a furnished upper room? We know the answer to those questions, don’t we? We know that He possesses all knowledge. He knew all about the man, the pitcher, the room, the preparations, and how the Passover meal would proceed. So why is it that when He gives us directions, we question those directions, or plead for more explicit details? The Lord doesn’t necessarily give us full directions, He guides us along step by step. And as we take those steps, we eventually arrive at where He wants us to be.
Yes, it’s OK to ask questions of the Lord as He begins to unfold His purposes to us. Peter and John asked a perfectly legitimate question. They were also satisfied with the answer, although it required considerable faith on their part. Three years earlier, the disciples learned that Jesus had a mission in mind when He told them, Follow Me. He had never failed them once. Now, they had learned to obey His word, and, however improbable, His word would come to pass. They were probably delighted, although not astonished, to encounter the man with the pitcher. We too should allow ourselves to be delighted when we follow our Lord’s direction and find He is opening up the way for us.
The Lord has a special purpose for you and me today. We can fulfil His purpose only by obeying Him. Just ask for directions, and you will arrive where He wants you to be. -Jim MacIntosh