Definition: And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Luke 4:9. It’s a really dramatic moment in Jesus’ life! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jesus was about to be arrested and put on trial for his ministry. He was feeling anxious and worried. A powerful man, likely a Roman official, saw him and said, “If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here!” This is a very bold statement – it’s like saying, "You're claiming to be divine!" What’s Happening in the Verse: “And he brought him to Jerusalem…” - This tells us Jesus was traveling through Israel (the land) and eventually arrived in Jerusalem. “…and set him on a pinnacle of the temple…” – A “pinnacle” is like the highest point of something. Jesus was placed on top of the very top of the most important part of the Old Testament Temple – a massive, decorated platform. It was a really significant place for worship and remembrance of God. “…and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God…” - This is the crucial part. Jesus directly addressed him and asked him a very serious question: “If you are the Son of God?” He was essentially testing him. What it Means – The Significance: This verse is considered one of the most significant moments in the Gospels, because it’s a declaration of Jesus’ identity as the Son of God. It’s a statement that challenged the religious authorities of the time and was a fundamental part of his plan to be seen as God’s son. Why is this important? It demonstrates Jesus' power: He wasn’t just talking; he declared something about himself. It marked a turning point: It signaled that Jesus was claiming divinity, which would have huge implications for the future. It sets the stage for his trial: The Roman officials’ challenge is a major sign of impending trouble for Jesus. In short, Luke 4:9 describes a moment when Jesus boldly proclaimed that he was the Son of God, setting himself up for a dramatic and challenging confrontation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss what this verse might have meant to the people of ancient Israel at the time? Connect it to a larger theme in the Bible (like faith, identity, or testing)?