Definition: And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 14:5. It’s a really interesting and somewhat mysterious passage! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was about to be crucified – he was going to die. The Jewish authorities were planning to kill him. What happened next? Jesus, feeling overwhelmed by the crowd, hesitated . He worried about what people would do if they saw him dying. The Key Idea - "He feared the multitude": This is the most important part. Jesus wasn't just worried about himself dying; he was worried about the entire crowd – thousands of people! He realized that the number of people present made the situation incredibly dangerous and potentially chaotic. What does “because they counted him as a prophet” mean? This is where it gets a bit more complex and symbolic. It means that the Jewish leaders, who were looking for a way to get rid of Jesus, believed he was a special figure – a prophet. They saw him as someone important enough to be executed quickly. So, what's the point? Jesus understood that his followers believed him to be a prophet, and he worried about their reaction. He wasn’t trying to prove anything; he was simply protecting himself and the people he was serving. Overall Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a moment of profound spiritual awareness by Jesus. It suggests: Jesus recognized the power of his followers. He understood that their beliefs could be dangerous. He took steps to protect himself and the group he was with. It’s a reminder that: Even when we're worried about others, it's important to consider the potential impact of our actions and feelings on those around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like faith, fear, or leadership)?