Definition: And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 19:11. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about Jesus’s impending arrival. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling a story to prepare us for something big to happen soon. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And as they heard these things…” : This refers to the people who were listening to Jesus – likely his disciples. They were hearing about his teachings and what he was doing. “…he added and spake a parable…” : "Parable" means a story used to teach a moral or spiritual lesson. Jesus is telling a story . “because he was nigh to Jerusalem…” : This tells us that Jesus was very close to the city of Jerusalem, which was a very important place for Jewish people at the time. It meant he was on his way there. “…and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.” : This is the big part. The people were expecting the Kingdom of God – a divine and powerful era – to happen right now . They probably believed it would be a dramatic, immediate event. So, what’s Jesus trying to say? Jesus is saying that He is coming soon . He’s not promising a spectacular, instantaneous arrival. Instead, he's using a story to prepare us for the future. He’s telling us that his arrival isn't going to be easy or sudden. It will take time and preparation. Think of it like this: It’s like planting a seed – you don’t expect a huge harvest overnight. You need to nurture it, water it, and give it the right conditions to grow into something amazing. Jesus is doing the same thing for us! Why is this important? This verse encourages us to: Be patient: Jesus is coming, and we shouldn't expect things to happen instantly. Prepare ourselves spiritually: We should be thinking about what’s important in our lives and living righteously. Trust in God: It shows that God is working for good, even when it doesn't look like he's moving quickly. Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/english) - This allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see context. CatholicWiki: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CatholicWiki](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CatholicWiki) - Offers a deeper dive into the meaning of the parable. Do you want me to explain this verse further, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like the parable itself or its significance in the context of the story?