Definition: Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Mark 5:19. It’s a really beautiful and powerful message about God’s love. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling someone who was dying – likely a woman with a severe illness – to go home to their friends and tell them about the amazing good things that have happened to them. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not…” - This means before Jesus began to die, he was still alive. It's a contrast – something is happening that would normally cause trouble or pain. “…but saith unto him…” - Jesus is speaking directly to this person. “Go home to thy friends…” - This is the key instruction. He’s telling them to go back to their loved ones and tell them about the good things that have happened. “And tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee…” – This is the most important part. Jesus isn't just saying "good things happened." He’s emphasizing how much good happened. It’s a huge, overwhelming statement of God's care and compassion. The Overall Meaning: It’s a message about God’s mercy and love. It says that even when someone is in terrible pain, God is actively working to help them, and He’s so concerned with their well-being that He wants to share this good news with them. It's like a powerful expression of God's presence and care. Why it’s important: This verse is considered one of the most comforting parts of the Bible because it shows God’s active involvement in our lives, even when we are suffering. It reminds us that God is always watching over us and wants to share His goodness with us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in a broader context (like the story of Lazarus)?