The Man With the Pitcher

Men as a rule never drink water―always women. I have always thought the man was a servant or possibly slave-he was evidently not the good man of the house or why did our Lord tell them “follow him into the house where he entereth in, and ye shall say to the good man of the house The Master saith unto thee, where is the guest chamber?” My thought has always been that the goodman was a personal friend of our Lord’s who knew of His intention and therefore the room was ready furnished.
What an honor for the humble man with the pitcher to be singled out by our Lord, showing the Lord’s eye is on all faithful toilers, whoever and wherever they may be.
Jesus sent Peter and John from Bethany to Jerusalem appointing them a sign both mysterious and secret, told them on entering the gate they would meet a servant carrying a pitcher of water from one of the fountains for evening use; following him they would reach a house, to the owner of which they were to intimate the intention of the Master to eat the Passover there with His disciples, and this householder would at once place at their disposal a large furnished upper room provided with requisite table and couches.
Some think Joseph of Arimathea was the goodman, others John Mark, but whoever he was he knew and loved to obey Jesus.
Emily P. Leakey.