Preparation Day
As the day prior to the Passover preparation day (the thirteenth of Nisan) began, Jesus says, "My appointed time is near" (Matthew 26:18 NIV). The appointed time is actually an appointment. All these events are coordinated and aligned to happen in an exact and precise way.
"These are the appointed times of the LORD, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at the times appointed for them. In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at twilight is the LORD's Passover." (Leviticus 23:4,5). Passover is the appointed time of the Lord. It is an appointment. Paul says festivals, new moons, and sabbaths are a shadow of things to come whose reality is found in Christ (Colossians 2:16-17).
These events were planned to the hour even before the passover 1500 years earlier.
Remember the timing hinges on when the day begins and ends; see What is a Day? for why sunset-to-sunset matters.
The four days of inspecting the Lamb conclude.
- Jesus says his appointed time is near.
- Preparations are made for the Last Supper, which will begin after sundown.
These events happen according to an Appointed Time.
Matthew 22 (KJV)
46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man from that day forth ask him any more questions.
Matthew 26 (NIV)
18 Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.'
Leviticus 23:4-5 (KJV)
4 These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.
5 In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's passover.