Definition: And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, [Thou] Son of David, have mercy on me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 18:39. It's a really powerful and moving verse, and it speaks about Jesus’ response to someone who was being relentlessly harsh and demanding. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: Jesus is talking about a man named Peter (who was a follower of him) who was constantly criticizing and demanding from the people who were leading him. They were pushing him, telling him to be quiet, and making him feel like he needed to stop crying. What Happened Next: The Rebutters Begged for Peace: The people who had been leading Peter – the “they which went before” – pleaded with him to calm down. They begged him to hold his peace. They wanted him to not react so strongly. Peter’s Reaction - It Was Intense: But instead of calming down, Peter cried out more . He was incredibly distressed and overwhelmed by the pressure he was under. The Meaning – What it Says About Jesus: This verse is a key part of the story of Jesus' compassion. It shows: Jesus’ Empathy: Jesus recognizes that Peter is suffering deeply. He understands his pain and feels for him. Jesus’ Power to Heal: The phrase “but he cried so much the more” highlights this. It emphasizes that Peter's intense crying wasn't just a reaction; it was a genuine expression of deep sorrow and despair. It demonstrates that Jesus' compassion is greater than the suffering of others. Jesus’ Willingness to Help: The verse implies that Jesus wants to offer comfort and alleviate Peter’s pain. He doesn’t just want peace; he wants to heal his hurt. In short, it means that when someone is suffering intensely, Jesus is more compassionate than anyone else. It's a message of empathy, understanding, and genuine care for those who are struggling. --- To help me explain this verse even better for you, could you tell me: What part of the verse are you most interested in? (e.g., the context of the story, its meaning, or a specific image it evokes?)