Definition: And they asked him, saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Mark 9:11. It’s a really important and slightly tricky passage about Jesus and his teachings. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is teaching about the Bible and how people interpret it. He’s talking to a group of men who are upset with him because he’s saying that the scribes (Jewish leaders) believe Elias (a Jewish prophet) must come first before he can be praised or understood. What's Happening: “They asked him…” : This means the men were questioning Jesus about something he was saying. “…saying, Why say the scribes that Elias must first come?” : This is the core of the question. They’re asking why the scribes are making this claim – why do they think Elias has to be the first? The Meaning - It's About Understanding and Authority: Jesus isn’t really answering why the scribes believe that way. Instead, he’s highlighting a crucial point: Jesus is teaching about the importance of understanding the entire Bible, not just one part. Here’s what it's saying: The Bible is complex: The Bible isn’t just a collection of stories and laws. It contains different perspectives, interpretations, and levels of truth. Scribes have a particular way of interpreting things: Scribes were the religious leaders who copied and preserved the text of the Bible. They often had their own biases and interpretations that might differ from others. They believed Elias’s story was the most important and should be emphasized first. In essence, Jesus is saying: "Don't just focus on one part of the Bible. Look at the whole story – all the different parts – to understand what God wants us to believe." Why it’s significant: This verse sets up a conflict between Jesus and the scribes. It’s a foundational moment in understanding how Jesus challenged religious authority and emphasized the importance of truth and interpretation across the entire Bible. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the context surrounding this verse? Explain the significance of the "scribes" in the story?