Definition: But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 20:22. It's a really important part of understanding Jesus’ teachings about repentance and forgiveness. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: Jesus is inviting people to join him in drinking from his cup – which symbolizes forgiveness and cleansing. He’s asking if they actually believe that they can receive this forgiveness. Here's what it means, broken down: “But Jesus answered and said…” : This sets the scene – Jesus is speaking to a group of people who are likely feeling shame or guilt about their sins. “…Ye know not what I shall drink of…” : He’s talking about his own cup – a symbol of spiritual cleansing and renewal. It means he's offering them a chance to be forgiven. “And to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” : This is where it gets interesting. Jesus is suggesting they’re invited to share his forgiveness, just like he shares his own. He’s inviting them to experience the same cleansing and transformation. “They say unto him, We are able.” – This is the crucial part. The people who are being asked this question are essentially saying, "We believe we can receive this forgiveness!" What it's really about: Jesus isn’t just offering a chance to drink from his cup. He’s emphasizing that repentance (turning away from sin) is essential for receiving forgiveness. He wants to demonstrate that true repentance leads to a willingness to embrace God's grace – the forgiveness offered through him. It's about believing you are ready to be cleansed and renewed. In short: Jesus is inviting people to come to him and experience his forgiveness, just like he experienced his own forgiveness. Does this have any meaning for you? Would you like me to explain anything further, perhaps relating it to a specific theme in the Bible? For example, I could talk about: The importance of repentance How baptism is connected to forgiveness What Jesus means by "drinking from his cup"