Definition: And if any man ask you, Why do ye loose [him]? thus shall ye say unto him, Because the Lord hath need of him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 19:31. It's a really important and often misunderstood part of the story about Jesus’s ministry. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that it’s okay for Jesus to gently but firmly set someone free from a difficult situation. It’s not about punishment; it’s about offering them a chance to change and be better. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And if any man asks you…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to a person who is being treated unfairly or in a difficult position. “…Why do ye loose [him]?” : The word “loose” here is key. It’s not about letting someone go completely without consequences. Instead, it means giving them a chance to make better choices and correct their course. It's about offering them a little bit of grace and opportunity. “Thus shall ye say unto him…” : This is Jesus's instruction – he’s telling the person being asked to be kind and gentle. “…Because the Lord hath need of him.” : This is the most important part. It means that God needs this person to be set free from their current situation. It highlights that Jesus isn’t just offering a chance; he's acknowledging that God himself is involved in this situation and needs someone to be freed. What does it mean practically? This verse suggests that Jesus is showing compassion and understanding. He’s not condemning the person, but rather recognizing their struggle and offering them a path toward redemption. It speaks to themes of forgiveness, mercy, and God’s care for humanity. Why is this important? Jesus uses this phrase often throughout his ministry to demonstrate His love and concern for people. It shows that He cares about the consequences of their actions and wants to see them transformed. In short: Jesus isn't just letting people go; he’s offering a chance to be free from something that is causing them pain or difficulty, while acknowledging God's involvement in this situation. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of the verse further? Give you some examples of situations where this kind of teaching might be used?