Definition: And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This [man] blasphemeth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:3. It's a really important and slightly complex passage about Jesus and his ministry. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is being questioned by some of his followers (scribes) – people who were very knowledgeable about the Law and tradition in Jewish law. They're saying something that suggests he’s doing something wrong, or that he’s defying God’s teachings. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And, behold…” : This is a slightly dramatic phrase used to emphasize a point. It means "and indeed," “and truly,” or “it is clear.” “…certain of the scribes…” : The word "scribes" refers to Jewish teachers and scholars who were deeply involved in studying the Law (the set of rules and laws given to Moses). They were incredibly important because they interpreted and applied the Law. “…said within themselves…” : This is key! The scribes aren’t just casually voicing an opinion; they believe it. They're essentially saying something that feels like a sin or transgression. “This [man] blasphemes.” : This is the core of the verse. “Blasphemies” means "to swear or utter words that are considered very offensive to God." The scribes believe Jesus has spoken in a way that goes against God's will and teachings. So, what does it mean ? The scribes think Jesus is saying something that’s disrespectful to God or the Law. They're questioning his authority and perhaps suggesting he's challenging the very foundation of Jewish tradition. It suggests a potential conflict between Jesus' message and the established religious rules. Important Note: This verse doesn't necessarily mean Jesus did say something explicitly that was offensive. It’s more about the scribes interpreting his words in a way that felt like he was defying them. In short, this passage is a snapshot of the early church grappling with Jesus’ message and trying to understand what he was doing. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further? Give you a more detailed context for when this verse appears in the Bible? Discuss its significance within the story of Jesus’ ministry?

Definition: And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from Matthew 9:30. It’s a really significant passage about understanding God’s will and the power of faith. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling these people – likely disciples – to stop trying to figure out what he wants them to do. He's saying, “Don’t try to understand this completely. Just focus on what he’s clearly instructing you to do.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And their eyes were opened…” – This refers to a moment of revelation or understanding. It suggests that something was previously hidden or unclear for these people. “…and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See [that] no man know [it].” – This is the core of the verse. Jesus uses the word “straightly” which means forcefully and clearly. He’s telling them to immediately stop trying to grasp it completely. The key part is "no man know [it]" – meaning, no one can understand this fully on their own. What's happening here? Jesus isn’t giving them a full explanation of what he wants. He’s emphasizing that God has given him instructions, and those instructions are meant to be understood and applied by faith. He’s setting the stage for something important – a shift in their perspective and understanding. Why is this important? This verse speaks to several key ideas: God's Wisdom: It highlights that God's plans are often beyond our limited human comprehension. Faith as Understanding: It suggests that true understanding comes from faith, not from trying to force it into a knowledge we already possess. The Importance of Obedience: Jesus is urging them to trust in his guidance and follow his instructions without needing to fully grasp their meaning. In short, this verse encourages us to surrender our own attempts to understand things and simply focus on what God has instructed us to do. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a larger theme in the Bible (like trust or obedience)? Give you some real-world examples of how this principle applies?

Definition: But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 9:31. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising part of Jesus’ teachings. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is saying he’s spreading the word of God – his message of love, forgiveness, and salvation – throughout the entire world. Let’s unpack it further: “They” refers to the people. The verse focuses on the people who were with Jesus. “Departed” means Jesus left them. This suggests he was moving away from a specific location or group of people. “Spread abroad his fame” – This is the key part. “Fame” refers to recognition, reputation, and understanding of something important. Jesus is saying he's making sure everyone knows about God’s message. So, what does this mean practically? It implies that Jesus wasn’t just talking about a personal conversation with a few people. He was actively working to share his teachings – his gospel – with everyone. It suggests a grand plan for the world to understand and believe in God’s truth. Why is this important? This verse highlights Jesus' role as a messenger and advocate. It shows that he wasn’t just teaching, but also actively making sure others knew about His message. It’s a powerful image of how Jesus wanted to bring good news and understanding throughout the world. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a deeper insight into the context of this passage?

Definition: As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:32. It’s a really striking and dramatic image! Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is healing a man who’s been paralyzed for several days. He’s doing this with a lot of care and attention, but the man is incredibly unresponsive – he’s completely locked up and unable to move. As they are leaving, the crowd – including some of the religious leaders – bring him to Jesus. What's Happening? They realize this man isn’t just sick; he’s possessed by something evil. “Possessed” means that someone is under the control of an enemy spirit or demon. This is a frightening image because it suggests a powerful and unnatural force is interfering with his body. So, what does this tell us? Jesus is dealing with something supernatural: The verse highlights that Jesus isn't just focused on healing the man physically. He’s recognizing a spiritual problem – a demon or an evil spirit controlling him. The power of God: It shows that God has the power to overcome evil and restore people from being controlled by it. This is a powerful message about God’s ability to heal and protect us. In short, it's a story about a man who was seemingly paralyzed but was actually under control of something dark. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a warning against evil and the importance of fighting against spiritual forces that can harm people. It’s a reminder that God is powerful and can intervene to protect us from darkness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this passage in more detail? Or perhaps answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 9:33. Here's a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse describes a dramatic and surprising event that happened during Jesus’ ministry. When the Devil, who is often portrayed as a powerful opponent, was banished from Heaven, something extraordinary occurred. Jesus spoke to a crowd – likely people following him – and they were astonished! Here's a breakdown of what’s happening: “And when the devil was cast out…” : This tells us that the Devil had been trying to interfere with Jesus and his followers for some time. He’d been causing trouble and attempting to thwart Jesus’ mission. “…the dumb spake:” : This is a bit tricky. "Dumb" doesn't mean unintelligent; it means someone who wasn't trained in speech or learning. So, the “dumb” person was likely an angel or a spiritual being – perhaps a messenger from God. “and the multitudes marvelled…” : This is key! The crowd was amazed . They were witnessing something completely unusual and unexpected. They weren’t just surprised; they were in awe of what happened. “saying, It was never so seen in Israel.” : This is the core of the message. This phrase emphasizes that this event wasn't something that had ever occurred before in the Jewish people (specifically in Israel). It was a truly remarkable and unprecedented moment. What it’s telling us about Jesus: This verse suggests a few things: Jesus had authority: The Devil is powerful, but Jesus has the ability to overcome him. He's breaking boundaries: This event demonstrates that Jesus wasn’t just teaching or comforting; He was actively confronting and defying forces beyond his control. It's a moment of divine intervention: The Devil being cast out signifies God’s active involvement in our lives, working to protect us from evil. In short, this passage tells us that Jesus is victorious over evil, and his power extends far beyond what we can easily understand. --- Would you like me to: Explain a specific part of the verse further? Connect it to a particular theme in the Bible (like faith, forgiveness, or redemption)?

Definition: But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:34. It’s a really interesting and somewhat controversial part of Jesus’ teachings. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: The Pharisees were worried that Jesus was performing miracles – things like healing the sick or casting out demons – too powerfully. They believed he wasn’t just helping people, but actively summoning or commanding spirits to do his bidding. Let's unpack it: “He casteth out devils…” : This is a strong statement. “Casteth out” means to completely remove something from existence. Jesus was saying that he was removing these spirits – these entities – from people who were possessed or afflicted. “…through the prince of the devils.” : This is where it gets a bit tricky. "Prince of the devils" isn't about a literal king of demons. It’s a figurative term used by the Pharisees to describe a powerful, malevolent spirit that controlled these people. It suggests this spirit was causing harm and distress. So, what does it really mean? The Pharisees interpreted this as Jesus actively summoning demonic forces to try and cause chaos or problems. They saw it as a dangerous and disruptive action. Important Context – Why it’s Controversial: Jesus himself didn't say this was a direct, active battle with demons. He used this phrase to illustrate the nature of these spirits – that they were not inherently good and could be harmful. The Core Message (as understood by many Christians): Jesus’ statement highlights his understanding of evil and spiritual warfare. It suggests that demonic forces exist and can cause suffering, but God's power is ultimately greater and protects us from them. In short: The Pharisees believed Jesus was actively summoning demons and using them to cause harm. Jesus responded by showing the power of God and demonstrating that these spirits couldn’t resist him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of this passage?

Definition: And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:35. It’s a really important part of Jesus' ministry in the Bible! Here's what it means, explained simply: Basically, Jesus was traveling around teaching and healing people. Let’s look at each part: “Matthew 9:35” : This is just the verse number – we know exactly where it comes from. “And Jesus went about all the cities and villages…” : Jesus wasn't just stopping in one place; he was moving around, visiting every town and village. Think of him as a traveling messenger! “…teaching in their synagogues…” : He was teaching people in religious gatherings , like temples or synagogues (which were places where Jewish people prayed). “…preaching the gospel of the kingdom…” : This is the most important part! "The gospel" refers to Jesus’ message – it's about God’s plan for humanity. The “kingdom” part means a new, perfect world where God rules with justice and peace. Jesus was telling people about this future kingdom. “…healing every sickness and every disease among the people.” : He was actively working to make people better! He was diagnosing illnesses and providing healing – both physical ailments and emotional suffering. So, putting it all together: Jesus was showing people how to live a life of love, compassion, and faith, and he was actively helping people get well from sickness and hardship. Why is this important? This verse shows that Jesus wasn't just talking about nice things; He was actively doing good things for people. It’s a powerful reminder that God wants to help us and make our lives better. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about what this verse tells us about Jesus' ministry?

Definition: But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:36. It’s a really beautiful and important passage about Jesus’s care for people. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus felt worried and saddened when he saw so many people gathered. Let’s unpack that a little more: “But when he saw the multitudes…” – This means Jesus noticed a large group of people – maybe a crowd, or even a huge assembly. “…he was moved with compassion on them…” - "Moved with compassion" is key. It doesn't mean he was angry or upset. Instead, it means he felt kindness and concern for these people. He felt a warm feeling in his heart. “Because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” – This is the part that really highlights his care. Let’s break down what each part means: “They fainted”: This means they stopped moving and collapsed or fell down. It shows a loss of direction and safety. “Were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.” – This is a really powerful image. Sheep are vulnerable and need someone to protect them. Jesus compares the people to sheep – they're lost, without guidance, and in danger. "Having no shepherd" means they're alone, without anyone to look after them or lead them. So, what does this verse tell us? It tells us that Jesus is deeply concerned about people and wants to help them. He doesn’t just see them as a problem; he sees them as needing protection and guidance. He feels empathy for their situation – the fear, the vulnerability, and the lack of someone to care for them. Why is this important? This verse is often seen as a reminder that God loves us even when we're struggling or feeling lost. It shows that Jesus wants to be with us and protect us from harm. It’s a powerful message of love, compassion, and responsibility – calling us to care for one another. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific story or event in the Bible?

Definition: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly [is] plenteous, but the labourers [are] few;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:37. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious part of Jesus’ teachings. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that the harvest – meaning the time when crops are ripe and ready to be gathered – is abundant. But, he's also saying there aren't enough people working to gather those crops. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Matthew 9:37” : This is the specific verse we’re focusing on. “Then saith he unto his disciples…” : Jesus is speaking directly to his followers – the people who are with him. “…The harvest truly [is] plenteous…” : "Plenteous" means abundant, full, or plentiful. So, the harvest is actually overflowing with fruit and vegetables. It’s a really big yield! “but the labourers [are] few” : This is the key part. “Labourers” refers to the people working on the fields. The phrase "are few" means there aren't enough people working. What does this all mean? Jesus is essentially saying that God has given us a good opportunity to do good and provide for others, but we need to be careful not to take it for granted. It’s encouraging us to actively participate in serving others , to put our time and effort into helping those who need it. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the importance of: Generosity: Being generous with your time, talents, and resources. Responsibility: Recognizing that we have a role to play in making the world better. Putting effort into what’s important: It's not enough to simply have something; we need to do it! In short, Jesus is urging his followers to be diligent and active in working for good. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a story or analogy? Discuss its significance within the context of the Gospel (Jesus' teachings)?

Definition: Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 9:38. It’s a really beautiful and important message about God’s plan for our lives. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God wants us to be involved in something big – a harvest! It’s like asking for help to contribute to a larger, ongoing effort. Let’s unpack the parts: “Pray ye therefore…” : This means “let’s pray.” It's a request for a specific kind of prayer. “…the Lord of the harvest” : This is a fancy way of saying “God.” The "harvest" refers to our lives, our time, and our opportunities. Think of it like a field that needs tending – we need to nurture it to produce good things. “That he will send forth laborers into his harvest” : This is the core message. It means God wants us to be active participants in something important, like working towards a bigger goal. "Laborers" are people who are engaged in work or activity – maybe it's helping others, building things, or striving for something good. "Into his harvest" implies that we should contribute our time and effort to this larger purpose. What does this mean practically? It’s a call to action! It suggests that God doesn't just allow us to live our lives; He actively wants us to be involved in making things better, whether it's through kindness, service, or working towards something greater than ourselves. Why is this important? Jesus says this verse when he’s talking about the harvest – a time of plenty and abundance for those who work hard. It encourages us to recognize that God wants us to be part of His plan for the world and our lives. It's about recognizing that we have a role to play in making things better. In short, it’s a powerful encouragement to get involved and contribute to something larger than ourselves. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of what "laborers" could be doing?