Definition: And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 20:3: “And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.” Basically, it means Jesus was leaving the marketplace while a group of people were just sitting around. Here's a more detailed explanation: “He went out”: This suggests Jesus wasn’t simply walking away. He was actively choosing to leave. “About the third hour”: This is crucial. “The third hour” refers to a time in the early morning, typically around 3:00 or 3:15 AM. It's a significant time – it’s when the sun isn’t yet up and people are still asleep. “Saw others standing idle”: This is the core of the verse. Jesus noticed that other people were not working, participating in activities, or engaging in something productive. They weren't busy with chores, business, or anything else. What does this tell us about Jesus? Many believe this story has significant meaning and it’s often interpreted as: Jesus is coming to work: It suggests that Jesus is about to arrive and offer his help and service. A call to action: It's a reminder that we should be active in our lives – not just passively waiting, but participating in things that bring purpose and value. A challenge to laziness: The verse can also suggest that Jesus is calling us to be more engaged with our time and responsibilities. In short, it's a snapshot of Jesus’s timing – he was leaving the marketplace to offer his presence and help. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific theme in this verse (like service, opportunity, or purpose)?