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?