Definition: And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 22:6. It's a really important and unsettling part of Jesus’ ministry. Here’s what it means, explained simply: What it says: “And he promised, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.” Let’s unpack it: “He promised…” : This refers to Jesus’ promise to his disciples – his closest followers. He was giving them a significant goal or mission. “…and sought opportunity…” : This is key. Jesus wasn't just making a promise; he was actively looking for a way to break the plans of those around him. It means he was thinking about how to cause trouble and disruption. “…to betray him unto them in the absence of the multitude.” : This is where it gets serious. “Betray” means to deceive or mislead someone. “To betray him” means to deliberately try to harm or displease Jesus. “In the absence of the multitude” – that’s a big part of it! It means there were a lot of people watching, and Jesus was trying to upset them. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests Jesus was anticipating a situation where he would be put in danger or challenged. He knew that his followers were likely to disagree with him, perhaps even to try to stop him. He was setting himself up for a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. Why is it important? This verse shows us a few things: Jesus’ Foresight: It hints at Jesus’ awareness of the potential for conflict and challenges he would face. His Strategy: It tells us that Jesus wasn't just passively accepting things; he was actively planning how to deal with them. The Challenge He Faced: This is a significant moment in the Gospel, marking the beginning of his persecution. It shows that even though Jesus was divine, he was still vulnerable and could be challenged. Important Note: It's important to remember this passage isn’t about doing something bad. It’s about Jesus anticipating a situation where he might be put at risk. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, or perhaps explore the context of this verse further? For example, we could talk about: What kind of "betrayal" is being alluded to? How this relates to Jesus’ future persecution?