Definition: And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous verse from Luke 19:40. It’s a really powerful and layered message about leadership and patience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples to be calm and patient. He’s saying that if they remain quiet and peaceful, the stones (which represent obstacles or challenges) will suddenly and loudly express their anger or frustration. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he answered…” : This tells us Jesus is speaking to his followers – specifically, the disciples who are with him. “…and said unto them…” : He’s giving a direct instruction. “…I tell you that…” : This is crucial. It's not just a general statement; it’s a promise . Jesus is promising something significant. “If these should hold their peace…” : This is the key part. “These” refers to the disciples. It means if they remain calm, peaceful, and obedient – that’s when the change happens. “…the stones would immediately cry out.” : This is the dramatic part! Stones are traditionally seen as representing opposition, anger, or obstacles in a situation. When they remain quiet and peaceful, suddenly , they will express their feelings – perhaps through shouts, grumbling, or even physical movement. What does this mean practically? This verse speaks to the importance of: Patience: Waiting for things to settle down before reacting. Control: Not letting your emotions overwhelm you. Peacefulness: Not getting upset or frustrated – because that can escalate situations. The Bigger Picture (and why it's important): Jesus is setting up a scenario where he’ll be facing opposition, maybe even challenging people. This verse encourages us to approach difficult situations with calm and understanding, rather than reacting impulsively. It suggests that true leadership isn't about fighting or dominating; it's about remaining steady and allowing things to unfold naturally. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse in more detail? Discuss its significance within the larger narrative of the Gospels? Give some examples of how this principle applies to real-life situations?