Behind the Scenes of the Last Supper—A Quiet Plan and a Powerful Preparation (Luke 22:1-13)
In Luke 22:1–13, the final days of Jesus’ life are beginning to unfold. This short passage gives us a glimpse into two very different moments happening at the same time: one of betrayal, and one of preparation.
Let’s take a closer look at this powerful scene.
The Plot to Kill Jesus
The chapter begins with tension in the air. It was just before the Feast of Unleavened Bread, a major Jewish celebration that included the Passover meal, which reminded the people of how God had rescued them from slavery in Egypt.
But while the city was full of people preparing for the celebration, something dark was happening behind closed doors.
“The chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus…” (v. 2)
They were afraid of Jesus’ growing influence. The crowds were listening to Him and following Him, and the religious leaders felt threatened. They didn’t want to cause a scene in public, so they started plotting in secret.
Judas Makes a Deal
Then something shocking happens.
“Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve.” (v. 3)
Judas was one of Jesus’ own disciples—someone who had walked with Him, heard His teaching, and seen His miracles. But now, Judas went to the religious leaders and agreed to betray Jesus.
They were thrilled and offered him money. From that moment on, Judas watched for the right time to hand Jesus over when no one was around.
This part of the story reminds us that even people who seem close to Jesus can make heartbreaking choices. But even in betrayal, God’s plan was still moving forward.
Jesus Prepares the Passover
While the leaders were plotting and Judas was scheming, Jesus was getting ready for something sacred and beautiful—the Last Supper with His disciples.
He told Peter and John to go and prepare the Passover meal. But He didn’t give them the location directly. Instead, He said:
“As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.” (v. 10)
This may seem like a small detail, but it was unusual. In that time, men didn’t normally carry water jars—women did. So this would have been a clear sign. Jesus had already arranged everything. He was in complete control, even with danger all around Him.
Peter and John followed the instructions, and everything happened just as Jesus said. They found the room, got it ready, and made preparations for the Passover meal.
What This Means for Us
This passage may seem like a setup for what comes next, but it’s full of meaning:
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God is still in control, even when things look dark. Evil was at work, but Jesus wasn’t caught off guard. He had already made plans for what mattered most.
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Preparation matters. Jesus didn’t rush the moment. He made sure everything was ready so He could share a meaningful meal with His closest friends.
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People have a choice. Judas chose to betray, while Peter and John chose to obey. Every day, we’re invited to choose trust and faithfulness.
Final Thought:
This moment in Luke 22 is the calm before the storm. It reminds us that even when the world feels messy or uncertain, God’s plan is never shaken. Jesus moved forward with quiet strength, preparing to give everything for us.
As we follow Him today, may we also choose to obey, prepare our hearts, and trust that He is working—even behind the scenes.
Luke 22:1-13 (WEB)
22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.3 Satan entered into Judas, who was also called Iscariot, who was counted with the twelve. 4 He went away and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them. 5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.”9 They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare?”10 He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” ’ 12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.”13 They went, found things as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.