Definition: And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 12:12. It's a really important verse in understanding Jesus’ teachings about truth and warning us to be cautious about what we believe. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking about a story that was told to him, and it involved a group of people who were trying to stop him from continuing his message. They weren't happy with what he was saying and wanted to silence him. Let's unpack the words: “And they sought to lay hold on him…” – This means they wanted to grab onto Jesus, to keep him, to stop him from speaking. It sounds like they were trying to prevent him from sharing his truth. “…but feared the people:” – This is a crucial part. They weren’t just being polite; they were actually afraid . They understood that what he was saying wasn't good for them. “For they knew that he had spoken the parable against them:” - Jesus told a story – a parable – which is a short, simple story meant to teach a deeper truth. This story involved a group of people who were trying to trick him into doing something wrong. He was showing them a false path. “and they left him, and went their way.” – This is the consequence of their fear. They stopped following him and walked away. So, what does this verse mean? It’s essentially saying that Jesus wasn't just telling a story; he was warning us about something dangerous . He was exposing false teachings and urging us to be wary of things that might try to trick or deceive us. He was showing us that we should be open-minded, but also vigilant – always checking our beliefs against the truth. In a nutshell: Jesus warned people to be cautious about what they believed and to avoid being swayed by false promises or misleading teachings. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the importance of critical thinking and discernment. It reminds us that just because someone says something doesn't mean it’s true, and that we should always question things and look for solid evidence before accepting them as gospel. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of this passage? Discuss the significance of the parable itself?