Definition: And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 14:31. It's a really interesting story about Jesus’ teaching and testing people’s faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was walking through a field with twelve boys. He wanted to show them that he was powerful and could do amazing things. He asked the boys to throw stones at him, intending to test their belief in him. When they did this, Jesus reached out his hand and gently grabbed one of the boys. What it Means – A Simple Explanation: "And immediately Jesus stretched forth [his] hand..." : This means Jesus immediately took action. He didn’t wait; he was proactive. "...and caught him..." : He physically took the boy away from the group, likely to prevent further trouble. "...and said unto him, O thou of little faith..." : This is the key part. Jesus isn't angry or disappointed. He’s using a gentle, almost playful tone. He’s calling out to the boy who was doubting. What it’s Saying About Faith: This verse highlights that faith isn't just about believing in something; it's about trusting something. It’s about having confidence and believing in someone or something, even when you don’t fully understand it. “Little faith” suggests the boy was questioning Jesus, perhaps doubting his power or his message. Overall Meaning: Jesus is essentially saying to the boy, “You are doubting. I see that. But I expect you to trust in me and believe in what I’m teaching.” It's a gentle reminder that faith isn’t about being perfect, but about having the courage to believe and follow Jesus. Why it’s significant: This story is often cited as an example of how Jesus uses challenging situations to strengthen his followers’ faith. It shows that even when things are difficult, believing in God is important! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this passage? Give you some context about the story (like why it's considered a significant moment in the Gospels)?