Definition: And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any [man]: for thou regardest not the person of men.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 22:16. It's a really important one about Jesus’s priorities and how he treats people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples to not be overly concerned with whether or not he’s truly following God’s teachings. He’s saying he’s focused on the people – on helping them and teaching them, rather than focusing solely on himself or his own importance. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And they sent out unto him their disciples…” - This means Jesus was addressing a group of people who were following him and perhaps offering support to him. “…with the Herodians…” – "Herodians" is a Greek word that refers to people who were familiar with Jesus or who were loyal to him, but weren’t necessarily his closest followers. They might have been some of the people he had already established relationships with. “saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth…” - This is where it gets important. Jesus acknowledges that he is who he says he is – that he’s following God's teachings. He’s demonstrating his sincerity. “neither carest thou for any [man]” - This is the crucial part. He’s saying, “I don’t really care about you.” It means he doesn't prioritize your needs or feelings over his own. “…for thou regardest not the person of men.” – This reinforces that he isn’t focusing on you , but on the people – on helping them and guiding them. What it Means in a Bigger Picture: Jesus is emphasizing that love and service are more important than personal recognition or favoritism. He's showing humility and prioritizing the well-being of others. It’s about being a good example for people, not about being admired by anyone. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the core of Jesus's teachings – that he wants to be known and loved by those he serves. It highlights his focus on compassion, forgiveness, and helping others. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its context in the story)? Give you some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?