The mood shifts from the betrayal to the preparation of the Passover (the Jewish spring festival). It is a brief moment of rest and ritual before the storm breaks.
The disciples speak here as a group (Turba choir). Their question is practical, but laden with symbolism: they ask where they should prepare the 'passover lamb', while Jesus himself is the ultimate passover lamb that will be sacrificed.
The Last Supper
Aber am ersten Tage
Recitative
•Evangelist, Chorus
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No. 9a-bpart_10
Evangelist
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him:
Chorus I
Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
German
English
Evangelist
Aber am ersten Tage der süßen Brot traten die Jünger zu Jesu und sprachen zu ihm:
Evangelist
Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto him:
Koor I
Wo willst du, dass wir dir bereiten, das Osterlamm zu essen?
Chorus I
Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the passover?
Modern adaptation
The festival of unleavened bread began. Jesus' friends came to him with a practical question.
Where do you want us to prepare the Passover meal for you?