Definition: And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Mark 11:33. It’s a really interesting one with some layers of meaning! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about free will and the power of our choices. It’s saying that Jesus has the absolute right to do whatever he wants, and we can't stop him. It’s a bit like saying, "You are free to choose your own path." Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And they answered..." : This refers to the people who were listening to Jesus. They were probably skeptical or questioning his teachings. "...and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell." : They felt like they didn’t understand why he was doing something. They couldn't rationalize it – they just didn’t know how. Basically, they were confused and couldn't figure out the reason behind his actions. "And Jesus answering..." : Jesus is speaking to them directly. "...sayest thou that we cannot tell?" : This is a key part. Jesus is asking them a question, but he’s emphasizing that they can’t understand why he's doing it. He’s highlighting the mystery of his power. "And Jesus answering saith unto them..." : Jesus responds to their question with a statement. He's saying something about the situation. So, what does this mean practically? It suggests that Jesus has a great deal of control and authority over events. He can do anything he wants, and we aren’t meant to fully understand why or how . It’s a reminder that while we have free will – the ability to make our own choices – there are limits to what we can comprehend. Important Context - The Story This verse is part of a story where Jesus demonstrates his power over people. He uses a demonstration – he turns water into wine, makes a stone become bread, and shows that he has complete control over the physical world. It’s about showing the power of God through His actions. In short: This verse emphasizes that Jesus is in charge, and we are free to choose our own path, but we don't fully understand why He does what He does. --- Do you want me to explain any of these concepts further or explore a specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like me to: Explain the biblical context surrounding this verse? Discuss its significance in a broader theological perspective?