Definition: But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 5:22. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious part of the story of Jesus' ministry. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is noticing that people are thinking about him – specifically , they're thinking about him with a certain kind of anticipation or maybe even a little bit of fear. He wants to understand why they’re focusing on him. Let’s unpack it further: “But when Jesus perceived their thoughts…” This means Jesus wasn’t just passively watching; he was actively looking and noticing what people were thinking. “…he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts?” This is the key part! “Answering” means Jesus immediately turns his attention to them. He asks a direct question: "What reason…?" It’s like he’s saying, "I'm curious about why you're thinking about me." So, what does this tell us? This is a moment of intense focus and perhaps a little bit of apprehension. It suggests: They might be questioning him: Maybe they were expecting something bad to happen, or they had doubts about his teachings. They might be anticipating something: Perhaps they hoped for a miracle, or they felt a sense of significance in meeting him. Why is this important? This question isn't just random. It’s a sign that Jesus understands the people’s feelings. He’s acknowledging their thoughts and inviting them to share with him – essentially, he wants to build a relationship with them. It's a moment of connection and vulnerability. In short: Jesus is noticing that people are thinking about him, and he’s asking why they're thinking about him - it suggests a moment of curiosity, perhaps a bit of apprehension, and a desire for a deeper relationship. --- Do you want to explore any of these aspects in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in Luke 5:21-23? Discuss what it might mean for Jesus to be so curious about their thoughts?