Definition: And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, [even] in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Matthew’s Gospel (Mark 14:30). It’s a really significant moment that speaks to Jesus’ control over His followers and the ultimate nature of his mission. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples, “I’m going to test you.” He’s setting up a challenge for them, and if they fail to recognize his authority, he will reveal that he’s who he is – God incarnate. Let's unpack the parts: “And Jesus saith unto him…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to his disciples. It means "And Jesus said something." It’s a direct instruction or statement. “…Verily I say unto thee…” : This is a crucial phrase. “Verily” means truthfully and seriously. Jesus isn't just saying it; he’s declaring it with absolute conviction. “I say unto you” emphasizes that this is a profound truth, not something easily dismissed. “…That this day, even in this night…” : This sets the context – it’s happening at a specific time and place. “This day” refers to the day of his betrayal. "Even in this night" suggests it's happening while Jesus is vulnerable and exposed. "...before the cock crow twice..." : This is a very old tradition that connects to the early days of Christianity. The rooster’s crowing was seen as a signal of morning, and Jesus is saying he’ll test them before the day's first full cycle of birds begins. It's a symbolic way of saying he's testing their obedience and faithfulness before the inevitable. "...thrice." : This is the key part. Jesus tells his disciples to deny him three times . What does it mean? This isn’t just about a simple disagreement. It signifies: A Test of Faith: Jesus is deliberately testing their loyalty and belief in him. He's looking for genuine faith, not empty agreement or superficial obedience. His Authority: He is asserting his authority over them – that he is who he claims to be (God incarnate). The Ultimate Revelation: Denying him three times will reveal to the disciples that Jesus is truly God and divine. It’s a powerful way for Jesus to show them the truth of his identity. Why is this important? This passage highlights several crucial themes: Jesus' Control: He's in charge, and he knows what they believe. The Importance of Obedience: His followers need to be faithful and obedient to him. Truth Revealed: Denying Jesus will expose the truth about who he is – a divine being. In short, "And Jesus saith unto him..." is a powerful statement about the nature of Jesus’ authority and his intention to test his disciples. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage in more detail? Discuss its significance within the context of the Gospels? Compare it with other passages about Jesus’ teachings?