UPPER ROOM
The concept of an upper room holds a profound place in biblical history and tradition. The Israelites often included an upper room in their homes for various purposes, such as hosting guests and conducting prayers. The architectural design of Palestinian houses during biblical times featured flat roofs accessible via an external stairway. These flat roofs had multiple uses, as demonstrated in the story of the paralytic man brought to Jesus. Luke describes this event: “But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus” (Lk 5:19). The ability to open the roof tiles between the beams made of brushwood and mud highlights the practical design of these homes.
Historical Significance of Upper Rooms
1. Daniel’s Prayer in the Upper Room:
During the reign of King Darius, a decree was signed prohibiting any form of worship except to the king. Despite this, Daniel continued his custom of praying three times a day in his upper room with windows open toward Jerusalem. As recorded in the book of Daniel: “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Dan 6:10). This act of defiance and devotion showcases the upper room as a place of steadfast faith and unyielding prayer.
2. Sarah’s Despair and Prayer:
In the book of Tobit, Raguel’s daughter, Sarah, faced deep despair and considered ending her life in an upstairs room of her father’s house. Instead, she turned to prayer, and God answered her pleas. This story underscores the upper room as a place where intense personal struggles and divine interventions occur.
3. Elijah and the Widow’s Son:
When a widow’s son died, the prophet Elijah took the child to the upper room where he was staying. Through fervent prayer, Elijah brought the boy back to life: “And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul come into him again. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived” (1 Kgs 17:20-22). This miracle in the upper room emphasizes its role as a place of resurrection and divine power.
4. Elisha and the Shunammite’s Son:
Similarly, Elisha performed a miracle in the upper room by raising the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead. This event, recorded in 2 Kings 4:8-37, further illustrates the upper room as a space where prophets performed significant acts of faith and divine intervention.
The Upper Room in the New Testament
The upper room continues to hold significance in the New Testament, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus and the early Church.
1. The Last Supper:
Jesus celebrated the Passover with His apostles in an upper room, believed to be owned by the parents of Mark, who were wealthy and had at least one maidservant, Rhoda (Acts 12:13). In this upper room, Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist and performed the humble act of washing His disciples’ feet (Mk 14:14; Lk 22:12). This room thus became a place of profound teachings and the establishment of sacred Christian traditions.
2. The Early Church’s Gatherings:
The early Church frequently gathered in the upper room for prayer and fellowship. After Jesus’ ascension, the disciples returned to the upper room and devoted themselves to prayer (Acts 1:13). This room also witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit during Pentecost, marking the birth of the Church (Acts 2:1-4). Peter’s sermon from this room led to the conversion of 3,000 people, symbolizing the upper room as the first Christian house (Acts 2:14-41).
REFLECTION
The upper room serves as a powerful symbol of faith, prayer, and divine encounters throughout biblical history. For Christians today, it represents a place of refuge, prayer, and intimacy with God. Just as the upper room was a setting for miracles, deep prayer, and significant moments in the life of the early Church, it invites us to create our own “upper rooms” in our lives – a designated space for prayer, reflection, and communion with God.
In a world filled with distractions and challenges, having a spiritual “upper room” helps us to remain steadfast in our faith, just as Daniel did. It reminds us to seek God in our moments of despair, like Sarah, and to trust in His power to bring life and healing, as seen in the stories of Elijah and Elisha. Moreover, it encourages us to gather in fellowship and prayer, following the example of the early Church.
As we reflect on the significance of the upper room, let us be inspired to deepen our prayer lives, foster communal worship, and trust in God’s miraculous power. By doing so, we create sacred spaces in our hearts and homes where God’s presence can dwell and work mightily in our lives.