Definition: And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle?
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this famous passage from Matthew 20:6. It’s a really interesting story with a lot of layers! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is hanging out with his disciples, and he notices they're all sitting around doing nothing – just standing there. He says something like, “Why are you all here idle?” Putting It Together - The Meaning: This verse describes a moment when Jesus is really focused on something. It’s about a time of opportunity , but it's not a natural opportunity. It's a chance for someone to do something important or make a significant change. Here's what it's saying in a few ways: Jesus is looking for a moment of action: He’s noticing that people aren't using their time wisely, and he wants to see if there’s a chance for something to happen. It's about being ready: The verse implies that Jesus isn't just looking at them; he's actively waiting for a moment when they are ready to move forward. It's about purpose : The verse suggests that Jesus is calling out for something more than just existing – it’s about finding a meaningful or purposeful action. The "Infamous" Part - It's a bit mysterious: The biggest part of the story is what happens next. Jesus says, "Why stand ye here all the day idle?" This question implies that he wants to understand why they aren't doing anything. In essence, this verse highlights Jesus’s concern for his followers and his desire to see them engaged in meaningful work or action. Important Note: It’s a story with a lot of symbolism. It’s often interpreted as a reminder that God wants us to use our time wisely and that we don't waste precious moments. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss the different interpretations of the story? Talk about how this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?