Definition: And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from the Gospels of Matthew. It's a really striking image and has layers of meaning. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Story: Jesus was about to be crucified – severely beaten and killed. His followers were terrified and wanted to stop him. They were worried he wouldn’t live long enough to rise again. What Happened Next: They Took Him to the Garden of Gethsemane: Jesus was at a place of intense prayer and repentance, leading up to his sacrifice. The “Charger” – A Symbolic Gesture: A man (likely one of Jesus’s disciples) brought him to a garden where there was a large, empty stone basin or container. He placed Jesus' head into this container. This is often interpreted as a symbol of the completed and finished nature of his sacrifice. It wasn't literally charging him; it meant he was being protected and cared for. The Damsel – A Woman of Importance: Then, a woman (likely Jesus’ mother) came to the garden with him. She took Jesus’ head and handed it over to her son – which is Jesus himself! What It Means – The Layers of Significance: Sacrifice & Redemption: This event is seen as a profound act of sacrifice. Jesus was offering himself willingly, willingly giving up his life for the salvation of humanity. Complete and Perfect: The placement of Jesus' head in this container symbolizes that everything he needed to be complete – his life, his suffering, his death – was being provided for him. It’s a final act of divine providence. Motherly Care & Protection: The woman handing over the head is symbolic of her love and care for her son. She is taking on the responsibility of protecting and nurturing him. Why it's Important: This story highlights several key themes in the Bible: Jesus’ Sacrifice: It emphasizes that Jesus' death was a necessary sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin and death. Divine Providence: It shows God actively intervening in human affairs, guiding events towards a positive outcome. Love & Care: It reveals the deep love and care of our mothers and family members for their children. In short, this verse is a powerful image of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, offering complete protection and comfort to his followers. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this story? Discuss the symbolism in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical passage?