Definition: And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 3:4. It’s a really important one that speaks about Jesus’ authority and how he sets a boundary for human actions. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his followers – the people who were with him – to pause and think carefully before doing anything that could be good or bad, especially when it involves hurting someone. He’s giving them a rule to follow. Let's unpack it word by word: “And he saith unto them…” - This is Jesus speaking directly to his followers. “…Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil?” - This is the core of the verse. It’s asking if it's right to do good and bad on days off (like Saturday and Sunday). “to save life, or to kill?” - This refers to a crucial point: Jesus is saying that there are two kinds of actions – those that protect life and those that cause harm. “But they held their peace.” - This is the key part! The people were quiet and obedient. They weren’t arguing, protesting, or demanding anything. So, what does it mean in practice? Jesus was essentially saying: “Don't do anything that could hurt someone, even when it's not a work day.” He wanted to establish a boundary – a rule for people to follow that would protect them and show respect for life. It’s about prioritizing righteousness and avoiding harm. Why is this important? This verse is seen as a foundational principle in Christianity. It shows: Jesus' Authority: Jesus isn’t just saying what to do, but how to approach things – with careful consideration and moral boundaries. The Importance of Obedience: It emphasizes the need to follow God’s rules, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. In short, this verse is a gentle reminder that we should always act with responsibility and prioritize protecting life. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you a historical context for this verse? Discuss what it means in relation to Jesus’ teachings?