Definition: Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose [them], and bring [them] unto me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:2. It's a really important passage about forgiveness and reconciliation. Here’s the explanation in plain language: Basically, Jesus is telling his followers to offer forgiveness. Here’s what it means word-by-word and then put together: “Matthew 21:2” : This is the title of the verse. It's from the Gospel of Matthew, one of the four books of the New Testament Bible. “Saying unto them…” : Jesus is speaking to his followers – the people who were with him and followed him. It’s a direct address. “…Go into the village over against you…” : He's telling them to go nearby . It doesn't mean they have to travel far; it just means they need to find this specific situation. “…and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her:” This is the key part. Jesus is pointing out two animals – an ass and a colt – that are tied up . “An ass” : This represents someone who is in trouble or in a difficult situation, perhaps someone who has wronged Jesus or his followers. “A colt with her” : This represents another person – likely a follower of Jesus – who is also in trouble or facing a problem. What does it mean? Jesus is saying that if you see these animals tied up, it's a sign that they need to be freed. He’s suggesting that those who are struggling with wrongdoing or mistakes should be given a second chance – a chance for forgiveness and reconciliation. It's about offering a way to make things right. The message of the verse is: Jesus wants to offer a path to forgiveness and understanding, even when people aren’t behaving perfectly. In short: Jesus is inviting people to show mercy and offer a new beginning to those who are struggling. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or would you like me to explain another Bible passage?

Definition: And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:20: “And when the disciples saw [it], they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away?” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, it’s about a dramatic and slightly unsettling observation. “When the disciples saw…”: This refers to a group of people – the followers of Jesus – who were watching something. “…they marvelled…”: This is key! They were surprised, amazed, and perhaps even a little frightened by what they saw. It’s like saying "Wow! That's incredible!" or "That's strange!" “Saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away?” This is the core of the verse. The disciples are asking themselves – How quickly will this thing (the fig tree) die? The Significance & Interpretation: This is a very important and symbolic passage in the Bible. It's about time passing . Here’s what it suggests: Time is moving forward: The fig tree is a symbol of life, growth, and beauty. It’s flourishing and ripe with fruit. When it withered away , it signifies that time is passing quickly, and something precious is ending. Jesus's arrival is near: The disciples were witnessing Jesus’s arrival – his coming to teach and to offer salvation. The withered fig tree represents the end of the old ways and the beginning of a new era. In short, it’s a visual representation of Jesus’s imminent return and the time leading up to his triumph. It's a powerful moment of anticipation and realization that something significant is about to happen. Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolic meaning in more detail?

Definition: Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible verse together. It’s a really interesting and symbolic passage from Matthew 21:21! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about faith and trust. It’s essentially saying that if you truly believe something, and believe deeply , then you have the power to change things. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 21:21” : This refers to a specific event in Jesus' ministry – he’s talking about a storm happening with a fig tree. “Jesus answered…” : Jesus is speaking to a group of people (likely disciples) who are upset about something happening to the fig tree. “…and said unto them…” : Jesus is telling them what he wants them to do. “Verily I say unto you…” : This is a very important phrase – it means Jesus is going to give them a powerful promise. It’s like saying “This is true!” or "Here's what will happen." “If ye have faith, and doubt not…” : This is the key part. He's asking if they believe with all their hearts – that they truly believe in something – and don't hesitate . It’s about having a strong conviction. “…ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” : This is where it gets really powerful. Jesus is saying that if they believe with all their heart and have faith, then they can achieve something incredible – they can change anything. “to the fig tree” : This refers to a challenge , an obstacle, or a problem. “be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea” : This is the part that’s most symbolic. It means they can overcome any difficulty, any opposition, any challenge, and be transformed . It's like being "cast out" – completely liberated from negativity or problems. So, what does it all mean? The verse is saying that faith is a powerful tool. It’s not just about believing something; it’s about having the strength and conviction to actively change your circumstances. It's a call to action – to trust in God and to be willing to take steps towards your desires. In essence, it’s about the power of belief driving positive transformation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss what this verse might relate to in the context of Jesus' teaching about faith and perseverance?

Definition: And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful verse from Matthew 21:22: “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means that if you pray with faith and believe in God, your requests will be answered. Let’s unpack it further: “And all things…” : This is a general statement – it applies to everything you ask for. “…whatever ye shall ask…” : This refers to any kind of request you have – big or small, simple or complex. It's about anything you need or want. “…in prayer…” : This is the crucial part! The asking needs to be done in a sincere and devoted way, through prayer. “…believing…” : This is extremely important. “Believing” isn’t just passively wishing for something. It means having faith – believing that God wants to answer your request and help you. It's about trusting in His plan. So, what does it mean practically? It suggests that when you ask for something with a strong desire and trust in God's will, He is more likely to grant your request. It’s not just about wanting something; it’s about trusting that God wants to help you achieve it. The context of the verse: This verse comes from Matthew 21:22 in the Gospels of Jesus Christ. It's part of a story about Jesus healing the Jewish boys who were throwing stones at him and disrupting his ministry. Jesus uses this verse to show that He is the one who can answer their prayers and bring peace to His people. In short, it’s a powerful statement about God's willingness to help those who pray with faith. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you some examples of how to pray?

Definition: And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:23. It's a really important part of Jesus’ teachings about his power and authority. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is teaching about who has the right to do what – specifically, to command people to do things like cleanse people or perform rituals. When he appears in the temple (a very important religious place), the leaders present are asking him a direct question: “By what authority do you do these things?” Let's unpack it: “Matthew 21:23” : This is the exact verse we’re talking about. It’s a specific moment in Jesus' ministry. "And when he was come into the temple..." : Jesus is entering a sacred place – the temple, which was used for worship and sacrifices. It’s important because it signifies that he’s speaking to someone who holds significant religious power. "...the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching..." : This means several leaders were present during his lesson. These weren't just any leaders; they were the highest officials in the temple – the ones with the most authority. "and said, By what authority doest thou these things?" : This is the core of the question. They are asking, “You’re doing this – commanding people to perform rituals or make judgments – by what rule or permission does this?”” What it means in a nutshell: Jesus was demonstrating that he had the right to do certain things because he was recognized as the divine authority – the one who is both God and man. He wasn't just a teacher; he was also a representative of God, and his actions were imbued with that power. Why it’s significant: This verse highlights several important points: Jesus’ Divinity: It shows that Jesus isn’t just human but is divine, possessing unique authority. His Role as Leader: It underscores that leadership isn't about power alone but also about being recognized as the one who has the right to make decisions. Does this mean he’s giving authority? Not exactly. Jesus wasn’t simply handing out powers. He was emphasizing that he possessed the authority, and that authority came from God. It's about establishing his rightful position within the religious community. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its connection to Jesus’ teachings about divine law)? Compare it to another passage in the Bible?

Definition: And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:24. It's a really important and slightly mysterious part of the story! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is telling his disciples that he has the authority to do certain things – like punishing people – and he wants to explain why he does them. Let's unpack it a little bit: “I also will ask you one thing…” - This isn’t just a casual request. Jesus is saying he’s about to give them a specific instruction. “…which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.” – This is the core of the verse. He's saying that he has special power or permission to make rules and punishments. He wants to explain how he’s doing it. What does this mean? It suggests a few things: He’s not just following rules: Jesus isn’t just obeying the laws of the kingdom. He's using his authority to enforce justice and maintain order – which is a big deal in the Bible. His authority comes from God: The phrase "by what authority" highlights that this power isn't earned or granted by anyone else. It comes directly from God. In short, it’s a way for Jesus to show us that he has ultimate control over how things are handled, and that his decisions are justified by divine law. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is significant in the Bible? Give you some context about what Jesus was doing at this time?

Definition: The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 21:25. It's a really interesting and complex part of Jesus’ teachings about the coming of the Messiah. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking about the baptism of John, which was happening at a time when people were questioning if it was truly divine or just human. He’s highlighting a core issue about how people understood his ministry and what he offered. What's Happening: John’s Baptism: The baptism of John was being held in a place where people were arguing – they were debating whether it was God’s way, or if it was just a human ritual. “From Heaven?” vs. “From Men?” The people argued with themselves: "If we say ‘From heaven,’ then he will say... why didn't we believe him?" What Does It Mean? This is a crucial point about Jesus’ message. He wasn’t just offering a baptism; he was offering a way to understand God’s purpose for his ministry. Here’s what it suggests: Jesus Was Offering a New Way: He was teaching that he was the one who would reveal God's true will – the way of salvation and righteousness. The People Were Confused: They were stuck in their own opinions, unable to see Jesus clearly. They weren’t questioning him; they were debating him . Jesus Was Trying to Guide Them: He was essentially saying, “I’m not just doing this baptism. I’m offering a new path – one that requires faith and understanding of who I am.” In essence, Jesus is saying he is the divine truth, and his ministry isn't about simply performing rituals; it’s about revealing God’s will to humanity. It’s a statement about the importance of believing in Jesus and following him as the Messiah. Important Context: This passage is part of a larger discussion about the identity of the Messiah. It points toward his divine nature and his role as the one who will bring about a new era of God's kingdom. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explain the significance of John’s baptism in relation to Jesus’ teachings?

Definition: But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 21:26. It’s a really important and slightly complex passage about how people react to Jesus’ ministry and his message. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying that when people say things like “Of men” or “About men,” they’re actually being skeptical or resistant to him. He’s worried that people are trying to discredit him because he’s speaking about God and the truth. Let's unpack it word by word: “But if we shall say, Of men…” - This is a gentle challenge to people who might be criticizing or dismissing Jesus. It's like saying "We don’t agree with what you're doing." "...we fear the people..." – This is the core of the verse. Jesus isn’t just disagreeing; he wants to be feared. He understands that people are scared of him because he represents something bigger - God, truth, and a better way of life. “For all hold John as a prophet.” – This is where it gets interesting. The verse mentions John the Baptist. John was a preacher who preached about repentance and Jesus. Jesus is saying that everyone seems to be associating John with him – meaning, many people believe John has special authority or importance. What does this mean practically? It suggests: People are trying to undermine Jesus: They’re using John as a way to discredit him and his message. Jesus is aware of the resistance: He recognizes that people aren't accepting his teachings, and he’s concerned about it. He needs support: Jesus isn’t rejecting people entirely; he wants to be understood and respected. In essence, the verse expresses a concern for the faith of others and highlights that Jesus is facing resistance from those who might be trying to diminish his message. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might be used in a story or situation?

Definition: And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 21:27. It’s a really important part of the story about Jesus' ministry and how he starts to establish his authority. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that he has the power to do things like cleanse people, raise the dead, and even change things – all powerful things. He’s saying, “I have this authority.” Let's unpack it word by word: “And they answered Jesus, and said…” - This is just a normal conversation between Jesus and his followers. They’re asking him questions. “…and said, We cannot tell.” – This is the key part. The disciples are saying, “We don't understand what you’re doing!” or “We can’t explain this.” They’re acknowledging that they don’t have a complete understanding of why he’s acting in these ways. “And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” – This is where the real message comes in. Jesus is explaining why he’s doing these things. He's saying: “I don’t tell you because of a rule or law that I was given to me.” What does it mean? It means Jesus is acting on his own free will, not by being told what to do. He’s using his authority – the power he has – to make decisions and act in ways that are beyond human understanding. He’s saying, "I am the one who does this; I have the right to do this." Why is this important? This quote sets the stage for Jesus to become the leader of his followers and to show them that he is not dependent on anyone else to guide him. It's a fundamental statement about his divine authority and power. In short, it’s a declaration of Jesus’ absolute right to act as the one who has this power. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Matthew 21? Discuss what this quote might mean in a broader context (like his ministry)? Give you some related Bible stories or teachings about Jesus’ authority?

Definition: But what think ye? A [certain] man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:28. It's a really interesting story about forgiveness and responsibility! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is talking to two brothers – one who is working in his vineyard and another who is not. He’s essentially saying, “You need to understand this.” What’s Happening: “But what think ye?” - This is a gentle question directed at the two brothers. It's not accusing them of anything; it's just asking for their perspective. “…A [certain] man had two sons…” – Jesus introduces this as a story about one person who has a special relationship with him. "...and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.” - This is the core of the verse. The "certain man" (Jesus) tells his two sons to come work in his vineyard. He’s assigning them a task. The Meaning – It's About Responsibility & Forgiveness: This story isn’t about punishment or blame. It’s about responsibility and forgiveness. “A [certain] man” - This refers to Jesus himself, the Son of God. “…go work to day in my vineyard.” – Jesus is giving his two sons a job. He wants them to earn their living through hard work. The key here is "day." It emphasizes that this isn't a one-time thing; it’s a continuous task. The Bigger Picture - It’s about Love & Giving: Jesus’s Teaching: This parable teaches us about the importance of giving . Jesus is saying, “You need to understand my ways.” He’s emphasizing that when we are given a task or opportunity (like working in his vineyard), we should be grateful and do our best. Forgiveness & Redemption: It also speaks to forgiveness. Jesus is offering his sons a chance to earn their own rewards, just like we all need to work hard and earn our way through life. In short, the verse is saying that Jesus wants his two sons to work hard, demonstrate responsibility, and ultimately, be blessed. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Matthew 21:28? Discuss the symbolism in this story (like the vineyard)?