Definition: But when the husbandmen saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 20:14. It's a really shocking and unsettling verse, and it speaks to a disturbing situation involving Jesus’ followers. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a group of Jewish men who were watching Jesus and his disciples. They began to argue, believing that they could kill him. Their thought was driven by a desire for something – the "inheritance." Let's unpack it layer by layer: “Luke 20:14” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. It's important to note where this happened. “But when the husbandmen saw him…” : “Husbandmen” refers to a group of Jewish men who were part of Jesus’ inner circle – the 12 apostles. They were very close to Jesus and held significant influence within his ministry. “…they reasoned among themselves…” : They started discussing this in secret, likely plotting something. “saying, This is the heir: come, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.” This is the most disturbing part. They believed that by killing Jesus, they would gain a special advantage – control over his legacy and rewards. They were proposing to steal his life. What’s the Significance? This is often interpreted as a warning about the potential for betrayal and greed within religious groups. It highlights a dangerous tendency in some people to manipulate situations for their own benefit, even at the expense of someone else's well-being – Jesus himself. Important Note: The Bible doesn’t explicitly say that these men actually plotted to kill Jesus. However, it strongly suggests that they were motivated by a selfish desire and a belief in a divine reward for their actions. It was a moment of intense paranoia and ambition. In short, this verse warns against the dangers of greed and the potential for manipulative behavior within religious communities. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible passage? Discuss a specific theme in these verses (like jealousy or betrayal)? Give you some context about the historical situation surrounding this event?