Definition: And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:5. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage that speaks about faith and doubt. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is pointing out that people were actively arguing with him, trying to convince him to believe in his teachings. They were essentially saying, “If we just tell Him he’s divine, why didn’t He tell us?” Let's unpack it piece by piece: “They reasoned with themselves…” : This means they weren’t just casually debating. They were thinking deeply about the issue and trying to find a way to argue against him. It suggests a level of intellectual effort. “…saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not?” : This is the core of the verse. Let's break it down: “If we shall say, From heaven…” : They were suggesting that if they asserted that Jesus was divine (a key belief in Christianity), He would then confirm their belief. “…he will say, Why then believed ye him not?” : This is the crucial part. Jesus wasn’t just passively accepting their argument; he was raising a question: Why did they not believe Him? What's the point of this? This verse highlights a fundamental challenge in faith – the difficulty of believing something when you can’t fully grasp it or understand it. It speaks to the human tendency to doubt, even when there’s compelling evidence. Why is this important? Jesus' Ministry: It shows that Jesus wasn’t just giving a simple answer; He was challenging their thinking and prompting them to examine their beliefs. Human Fallibility: It acknowledges that we all struggle with doubt, even believers. It reminds us that genuine faith isn't always easy or comfortable. In essence, Luke 20:5 is a snapshot of a moment where Jesus was testing the hearts and minds of those around him, forcing them to confront the possibility that they might be wrong. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Discuss the context of this passage within the larger story of Luke 20?