Definition: Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, [there] shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 26:13. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling passage about Jesus’s plan. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that everyone who hears this message – this gospel – will also know about the woman who has been sexually assaulted. He's essentially saying it will be a permanent record of this event, and it’s going to become public knowledge. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Matthew 26:13” : This is the specific verse we're focusing on. “Verily I say unto you…” : This is a dramatic phrase meaning "Truly, I tell you this." It’s a way for Jesus to emphasize the importance of what he’s about to say. He's giving a very serious promise. “…Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world…” : This part explains where this message will spread. Jesus is saying that everyone – across all nations and places – will hear about this event when it’s shared. It’s not just a local story; it's going to become a global phenomenon. “[there] shall also this, be told for a memorial of her.” : This is the crucial part. Jesus is telling everyone to record this event. He's saying that the woman’s actions – the sexual assault – will be permanently documented and remembered as a reminder of her tragedy. “Memorial” means a remembrance or honoring – essentially, marking this event as something important and significant. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse speaks to several things: Jesus’s Purpose: Jesus is setting up a plan for his ministry to expose the wrongdoings of those who offend God and are hurting others. The Significance of the Event: It highlights that this particular event – the sexual assault – was deeply significant to Jesus, and he wants it to be brought into the light. A Warning: It's a warning to all believers about the importance of speaking truth to power and standing up against injustice. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a preview of Jesus’s crucifixion. It suggests that his death would serve as a symbolic “memorial” for the woman's suffering, emphasizing the ultimate sacrifice needed to offer forgiveness and restore justice. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example, we could: Discuss the historical context of this verse. Explore different interpretations of its meaning. Compare it to other biblical passages about justice or suffering?