Definition: And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 13:3: “And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately.” Basically, it’s about a significant event that happened near the Temple in Jerusalem. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: "As he sat on the mount of Olives..." : This refers to a specific location – a hill called the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It was a very important place for Jewish people, and it had historical significance. "...over against the temple..." : This means he was standing right next to the Temple. The Temple was a holy site where many important religious ceremonies took place. "Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately..." : This tells us that Peter, James, John, and Andrew were all present at this time. They were listening intently to what he was saying. What does this verse suggest? This is often interpreted as a preview of the events leading up to Jesus's Passion Week . Here’s the gist: The Kingdom of Heaven is Coming: The verse sets the stage for something big – the arrival of God’s kingdom. It's saying that soon, things will change dramatically. A Time of Great Change: It suggests a time of intense upheaval and preparation for Jesus's death and resurrection. Important Note: This is one of the most famous passages in the Bible and has been interpreted in many ways over the centuries! It’s a significant moment that foreshadowed the events leading up to Christ’s sacrifice. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important? Give you some background on the significance of the Mount of Olives?