Definition: But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, [ye] hypocrites?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 22:18. It’s a really important one about how Jesus sees people and what he thinks of them. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is looking at a group of people – “they” – and he’s saying, "You guys are being hypocritical." What Does "Hypocrisy" Mean? “Hypocrisy” means pretending to be good or moral when you're actually not. It’s acting like you have a perfect conscience but aren't really living up to it. It’s about putting on a show, trying to impress others with what you think they’ll think, rather than being honest and true to yourself. Jesus’s Response: Jesus says, "Why tempt ye me?" (meaning “why are you bothering me?”). He's not angry or judging them harshly. Instead, he’s gently calling them out for their behavior. The Key Point: Jesus is saying that these people aren't being genuine. They're trying to get attention or praise by pretending to be good, but they're actually acting in a way that isn't true to who they are. In short, he’s pointing out their dishonesty and lack of sincerity. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of honesty and truthfulness . It’s a reminder that we should always strive to be genuine with ourselves and others. It’s about being real, not just acting like someone else. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a specific theme or idea (like forgiveness or love)?