Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Mat 26:18 Go into the city to such a man, and say unto him, The Master said, My time is at hand; I will keep the passover at your house with my disciples.
Alternative: Withdraw into the city to so-and-so and tell him that the teacher said, My critical time is very near. I will prepare the Passover at yours with my students.

Christ saw his relationship with his apostles (and with us?) primarily that of a teacher with his students. His "job" as teaching them how to teach others. Other people provided support, like this man in the city, but the apostles were full-time students.

As we go into the Last Supper, Christ knew that his job as a teacher was almost over. The last of his long lectures was behind him, but he still has a few critical lessons for his students in the little time he has left. The choice of his term here for "time" make it clear that he was near finishing the time that had been given to him.

"Go" is from hupagô (hupago), which means "to lead under," "to bring under," "to bring a person before judgment," "to lead on by degrees," "to take away from beneath," "to withdraw," "to go away," "to retire," "to draw off," and "off with you."

"Such a man" is from deina (deina), which means "such a one," or "so-and-so."

"Master" is from didaskalos (didaskalos), which means "teacher," "master," "trainers," and "producer."

"Time" is from kairos, which means "due measure," "proportion," "fitness," "exact time," "season," "opportunity," "time," "critical times," "advantage," and "profit."

"At hand" is from engus (eggus), which means "near", "nigh," "at hand," "nearly" (when referring to numbers," "very near" when referring to death, " and "akin to" when referring to relationships.

"I will keep" is from poieô (poieo), which means "to make," "to produce," "to create," "to bring into existence," "to bring about," "to cause," "to render," "to consider," "to prepare," "to make ready," and "to do."

"Disciples" is from mathêtês (mathetes), which means "learner," "pupil," "apprentice," and "student."