Definition: Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important and complex passage from Luke. It’s a really significant moment in Jesus’ ministry and carries a lot of meaning. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was speaking to the twelve apostles – his closest followers – after they had challenged him about his divinity (the idea that he was God). They were asking, “Are you, Jesus, the Son of God?” Jesus, being wise and understanding, responded with this exact phrase. What it Means - A Layered Explanation: This isn’t just a simple "yes" or "no." It’s a deeply theological statement that reveals a lot about Jesus' identity and his relationship to God. Here’s how we can unpack it: “Art thou then the Son of God?” – This is a direct question, almost like a challenge. It implies that they are questioning his divinity, which was a core belief among the Jewish people at the time. It's a powerful statement of disbelief or questioning. "And he said unto them…" - This is key. Jesus isn’t simply answering the question; he’s rejecting it. He’s saying, “I am not.” He’s asserting his unique identity as God incarnate – that he was truly God in human form. “Ye say that I am.” - This is a crucial part of the statement. It's a repetition, emphasizing the point: they are challenging him to claim something that is fundamentally different from what they believe. They’re asserting a claim about his divinity – and Jesus is firmly stating he doesn’t accept it. What it Implies (and why it's significant): This passage has huge implications for understanding Jesus’ identity: He was God incarnate: This means that Jesus wasn't just a human who appeared to be God, but actually was God in the human world. A divine role: Jesus was seen as the one who fulfilled God's plan and demonstrated God’s presence through his life and teachings. The beginning of a struggle: This moment is often interpreted as a pivotal point where Jesus began to understand that he needed to be understood in a way that affirmed his divinity, rather than being treated as just another human. Important Note: It's worth noting that this phrase isn’t necessarily meant to prove his divinity. It’s more about asserting his unique role and identity within the divine plan. In short, Luke 22:70 is a statement of profound importance – it marks the beginning of Jesus’ understanding of his own identity as God, and it's one of the most debated and analyzed passages in the Gospels. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further with different angles (e.g., historical context)? Discuss its theological significance? Provide a simplified analogy to help understand the concept?