Man Carrying the Water Jar

A man carrying a jar of water walks in the garments of the ancient Near East, holding the vessel close to his shoulder as he moves with purpose. His simple robe, head covering, sandals, and earthen water jar place the figure within the daily life of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. In Luke 22:10, Jesus gives Peter and John a distinctive sign as they prepare the Passover: they are to enter the city and follow a man carrying a jar of water into the house he enters. That sign leads the disciples to the upper room where the Lord shares the Last Supper. The figure represents obedience, providence, and the quiet way God uses ordinary people and ordinary tasks to guide His redemptive plan. by Jeff Preston