👉 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Matthew 26:31. Itās a really important and dramatic part of Jesusās plan. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: Jesus is telling his followers ā the sheep of the flock ā that he will be punishing them. Heās saying heās going to deliberately hurt them. Letās look at it piece by piece: āAll ye shall be offended because of me this nightā¦ā : This means everyone involved in Jesus's plans is feeling anxious, worried, and perhaps even angry about whatās coming. Itās a collective feeling of being threatened. āā¦for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.ā : This is the key part. "Smite" means to hurt or defeat someone. āThe shepherdā refers to Jesus himself. The "sheep of the flock" are all the people following him ā his followers. āBe scattered abroadā means they will become lost and separate from each other. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of rebellion against Jesus or those who oppose him. It speaks to: Disobedience: The verse highlights that people are being called upon to listen to Jesus and follow his teachings. When they donāt, there will be consequences. Opposition: Jesus is preparing for opposition ā maybe from the religious leaders or even from those who are against him. Loss of Community: It suggests a potential loss of unity and belonging that could occur if people stray away from following Jesus. Important Note: This verse is often used to talk about persecution and challenges faced by believers throughout history. Itās a reminder that followers of Jesus can face difficulties, but they are not alone and have the strength to stand firm. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: What does "smite" mean exactly? Why is this verse significant in Christian theology?