Definition: And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from John 19:14. It’s a really complex and dramatic section of the Gospel (the story of Jesus’s life). Here's an explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes Jesus being arrested and brought before the Jewish authorities, and he then declares himself King. Let's unpack it bit by bit: “And it was the preparation of the passover…” – This sets the scene. The Passover was a Jewish festival celebrating freedom from slavery in Egypt. It was a hugely important religious event that marked the end of slavery and the beginning of Israel’s liberation. It was happening before Jesus’s crucifixion, which is a huge deal for Christians. “…and about the sixth hour…” – This means it happened around 6 PM (the time of sunset). It's a very specific time in Jewish tradition. “And he saith unto the Jews…” - Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders who were gathered to hear him. He’s addressing them directly. “…Behold your King!” – This is the key part! Jesus uses this powerful phrase to declare himself as King. It's a very bold statement, signifying that he is God incarnate – meaning God made flesh in human form. So, what does it mean ? It’s a significant declaration of Jesus’s identity and authority. It suggests: He is the Messiah: He was prophesied to be the King who would come before his time. He is God incarnate: This means he isn't just a man, but a divine being made alive. He is supreme: He is not just any leader, but the ultimate ruler of all things. Why was this done? The Jewish leaders were anxious about what would happen to Jesus. They feared he might try to escape or become a threat. By proclaiming himself as King, Jesus asserted his authority and made it clear that he was in control. Important Note: This passage is incredibly symbolic and has been interpreted in many ways throughout history. It’s not meant to be taken literally about Jesus's earthly reign. --- Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or would you like me to connect this verse to a specific aspect of the Bible (like the story of Passover)? Let me know what you'd like to explore further!