Definition: But he perceived their craftiness, and said unto them, Why tempt ye me?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:23. It’s a really important passage about Jesus and the Jewish leaders who were trying to trick him. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus was traveling through Jerusalem when the Jewish leaders, led by Peter and John, confronted him. They were determined to test him – to see if he would betray them or reveal their plans. They started asking questions designed to make him angry and upset. What Jesus Said: Jesus replied, “But he perceived their craftiness.” This means he recognized that the Jewish leaders weren’t being genuinely interested in a conversation with him; they were trying to provoke him into doing something against his will. They were playing a game of manipulation. The Key Meaning – It's About Obedience: Jesus then said, “And said unto them, Why tempt ye me?” This is the crucial part. He was essentially saying, “You’re asking me to do things I don’t want to do. You’re trying to force me into a situation where I can’t fulfill my purpose.” In short: Jesus saw through their attempts to manipulate him and understood that they weren't truly seeking a relationship with him; they were trying to get him to disobey God's will. Why is this important? This verse highlights several important things: Jesus’ Obedience: It shows that Jesus was completely obedient to God’s plan, even when it wasn’t easy or convenient for him. His Divine Authority: It emphasizes that Jesus had the authority and power to stay true to his purpose, regardless of what others were doing. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context surrounding this conversation? Discuss the significance of Jesus’ response?