Definition: And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:12. It’s a really important passage about Jesus and his plan to prepare for a huge crowd! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling his disciples (the people who were with him) that it’s time to start setting up for a massive gathering. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “When the day began to wear away…” – This refers to the beginning of the day. It's a metaphor for time passing, and Jesus is saying this is the point when things are starting to become busy and active. “…then came the twelve…” – Jesus has chosen twelve disciples to help him. These were his closest companions. “And said unto him, Send the multitude away…” – This is where it gets interesting! Jesus is giving a command to his disciples. He’s saying, “Please, take care of the crowd!” He's not asking them to completely abandon the people, but rather to move them away from the place. “…that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.” – This is the key part. "Desert place" means a remote, sparsely populated area – like a rural landscape. Jesus is telling them to: Go into the towns and countryside: They need to move the crowd to different locations. Lodge: To find temporary shelter – like a campsite or a lodging place. Get victuals (food): To provide food for the people who are coming. So, what's the big takeaway? Jesus is preparing for a huge crowd – maybe thousands of people – to come to him. He’s giving his disciples a task to make sure they have enough space and supplies to welcome them comfortably. It shows that he wants to be near his followers and provide for their needs. In short, it's about Jesus setting up for a large gathering and ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to stay. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse? Discuss its significance in a broader context (like Jesus’ plan)?