lotting against Him. "From that time He sought opportunity to betray
Him."

"The day ... came on which the Passover must be sacrificed." A lamb must
be provided and slain in the Temple for Jesus and His disciples.
Moreover a place must be provided for them to eat it. This preparation
would naturally fall on Judas, the treasurer of the company, whom at a
later hour the disciples thought Jesus instructed to buy some things for
the feast. The place in Jesus' mind was yet a secret, unknown to the
disciples, including Judas who could not therefore reveal it to His
enemies. Who shall be entrusted with the service which He needed, and be
in sympathy with Him in the solemn approaching hour? Not Judas. The two
who had been the heralds of the King should be His messengers. So "He
sent Peter and John saying, Go and make ready for us the Passover that
we may eat." Again and again we shall find Peter and John together in
circumstances of joy and sorrow, trial and triumph. Their first question
was a very natural one, "Where wilt Thou that we make ready?" The Lord's
secret was not at once revealed. He gave them a sign by which their
question would be answered--another proof of His divine fore-knowledge.
He told them to go into the city, entering which they would find a man
bearing a pitcher of water. Him they were to follow to the house he
entered, and tell its owner of His purpose to keep the Passover there.
In a furnished room they were to prepare for His coming. They were full
of curiosity, but had no doubt concerning the result of their errand.
They trusted Him who had entrusted them with it.

Soon at the public fountain they were watching for the servant who
should be their guide. Having done "as Jesus appointed them," they
"found as He said unto them." As instructed they said "unto the goodman
of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber
where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?"

"The goodman of the house" is the only name by which this owner has
been known. Some have thought He was Joseph of Arimathaea; others the
Father of Saint Mark; others Mark himself. It is the name by which Jesus
has called Him; that is honor enough. Without doubt he was a friend of
the Lord. Perhaps like Nicodemus he had come to Him privately for
instruction. He was ready to do what he could for His necessities when
homeless in Jerusalem. He was ready to give Him a place of protection
when, that very night, His enemies