Definition: Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 15:12. It's a little tricky to understand at first glance, but it’s really about forgiveness and understanding. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Situation: Jesus is talking to his disciples – a group of people who were with him for a while. They are asking him a question: “Do you know that the Pharisees are upset?” What the Pharisees Were Doing: The Pharisees were a group of Jewish leaders who were very strict about following the law and rules. They believed it was important to be perfect in their adherence to tradition. They were focused on doing things correctly, according to ancient laws. Jesus’s Response – A Gentle Correction: Jesus says, “Then came his disciples, and said unto him…” (He’s saying, “You know that…”) This means he was pointing out that the Pharisees were reacting to something he said. The Core of the Verse - It's about Understanding & Grace: The key part is: "Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended?" This isn't a question of whether they were upset, but rather – why were they upset? Jesus is saying that it’s okay for people to feel upset when someone says something that challenges their beliefs or way of doing things. It's a natural human reaction. The Meaning - Empathy and Understanding: Jesus isn't trying to tell the Pharisees what they should do. He’s offering a gentle reminder that it is okay for people to feel upset when someone says something that doesn't align with their beliefs, even if those beliefs are deeply held. It emphasizes the importance of empathy – understanding and sharing another person’s feelings. In short: Jesus was highlighting that sometimes, even when we disagree with someone, it's important to be kind and understand their perspective. --- Let me know if you'd like a deeper dive into any aspect of this verse! For example, would you like to know: Why the Pharisees were so concerned about these things? How Jesus’s message relates to forgiveness?