The Upper Room: Matthew 26:17-19
“17) Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18) And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.” 19) The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.”Matthew 26:17-19
This story has always impressed me. Hundreds of people were in Jerusalem for the Passover. Space was a premium and yet Divine Providence had a spot set aside for Jesus and His disciples to keep the Passover and to serve as a meeting place right up to the day of Pentecost.
Notice that Acts 1:13 refers to this as “the upper room.” It must have been sizable. The disciples stayed there and it hosted a daily prayer meeting for 120 persons. Never despise small beginnings.
Christianity started as a home church movement. When 3,000 trusted in Jesus on the day of Pentecost, they used the temple grounds for large open air meetings until persecution mounted. From the beginning they utilized homes for ministry. (See Acts 2:46-47)
Even large churches today have discovered the value of smaller groups meeting in homes. Both the small group movement and the home church movement have recaptured this dynamic in recent years. Christian community and biblical fellowship both thrive in small groups.
I see Acts 2:40-47 as providential. From the beginning of the church age, God wanted Christian homes to be strategic in the spread of the gospel. This includes the practice of hospitality. The Shunammite woman who prepared an upper chamber for Elisha and his servant was greatly blessed by God. (2 Kings 4:9-10). If you want Gods blessing on your home, dedicate it to His service. Be creative, there are many ways to serve Jesus with your home and property.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
