Definition: And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published [it];

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 7:36. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling passage about how Jesus uses his words to shape public opinion. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus isn’t just telling people what to think; he’s using his words – particularly his teachings – to create a specific narrative that influences how others see and believe certain things. He’s essentially setting up a powerful, almost manipulative, “story” for everyone to hear. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And he charged them that they should tell no man…” This is the key phrase. Jesus isn't just giving general advice; he's specifically instructing his followers – and anyone who hears him – to keep his message secret. He’s saying, “Don’t share this truth with anyone.” "...but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published…” This is where it gets powerful. The more Jesus emphasizes or details something, the more people will spread that idea. It's like a snowball rolling downhill – the bigger it gets, the faster it goes! So, what’s happening? Jesus is creating a cycle: 1. He starts with a specific message. He might say something about forgiveness, repentance, or judgment. 2. He emphasizes that message repeatedly. The more he talks about it, the more people will notice and remember it. 3. This repetition leads to wider dissemination. Because everyone hears the same message, they’ll share it with others – spreading the idea further and faster. It's a warning against: Misinterpretation: Jesus isn't just telling people what to believe; he's urging them to understand the meaning of his words. Manipulation: His words are designed to influence how others perceive reality, potentially leading to harmful ideas or actions. In essence, this verse is a reminder that Jesus’ teachings have a powerful impact and can be used to shape people's thinking in a significant way. --- Do you want me to: Explain the context of this verse within the larger story of Mark 7? Discuss what this could mean for how we should interpret religious texts?