Definition: And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 9:10. It's a really important scene that shows Jesus’ power and approach to people who weren't following Him perfectly. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus was having a meal with a group of people who were probably being mocked or treated unfairly. Let’s unpack it a little more: “Matthew 9:10” : This is the exact verse we're focusing on. It tells us where this happened – Jesus was sitting at a table while he was with his followers. “And it came to pass…” : This is just a way of saying "it happened." It’s like an observation about what was happening. “…as Jesus sat at meat” : This is the key part! “Meat” refers to bread and wine, which were often offered as gifts to God in Jewish tradition. So, Jesus was celebrating a meal – it wasn’t just a normal lunch. “behold, many publicans and sinners came…” : This means people were showing up who weren't following the rules of God or society. "Publicans" and "sinners" are basically those who were considered outcasts or morally wrong – people who weren’t doing what was right. “…sat down with him and his disciples.” : Jesus invited these people to join him. He wasn't rejecting them; he was offering them a chance to connect with Him, to be part of something bigger than themselves. What does this verse tell us about Jesus? It tells us that: Jesus is compassionate: He’s inviting people who are struggling and not following the rules. He’s approachable: He’s making Himself available to them, showing them there's a way for them to connect with Him. He’s offering forgiveness: By being with these people, Jesus is signaling that He offers forgiveness and a path to salvation – a chance to be reconciled with God. In essence, this verse shows that Jesus wasn’t just teaching or preaching; He was actively inviting people into His presence. Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail? Or would you like to explore another part of the Matthew 9 passage?