Definition: And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 20:8. It’s a really important and somewhat mysterious part of the story of Jesus’ ministry. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his disciples that he doesn’t have any special permission or power to do these things – specifically, he’s referring to healing people and casting demons. He’s setting a boundary. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Jesus said unto them…” : This means Jesus is speaking directly to his followers, likely the twelve apostles. “…Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.” – This is the core of the statement. Jesus is saying that he doesn’t have a right to do these miracles or exorcisms. What does this mean in practice? This phrase highlights a few key points: He's not acting on divine command: Traditionally, Christians believe that Jesus was given authority by God. This verse suggests he isn't simply following God’s instructions; he’s claiming to do these things without permission from God. It’s about his power and responsibility: It shows Jesus is taking a role of leadership and acting in a way that’s beyond what anyone else can do. He's asserting his own ability to perform miracles. It emphasizes humility: Jesus is showing humility by acknowledging that he doesn’t have authority over these things. This isn’t about being weak; it’s about recognizing the limitations of human power and focusing on doing what He deems right. Why is this significant? This verse is a cornerstone of Christian theology because it speaks to Jesus' unique role as Savior and Messiah. It emphasizes that Jesus is the one who is the miracle. He’s not just performing miracles; he’s demonstrating God's power through his actions. In short, this verse is a powerful statement about Jesus' authority and responsibility – setting him apart as the one who can perform extraordinary acts of healing and transformation. --- Do you want to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of this passage in Luke 20:8? The historical background of this moment? How it relates to the concept of “taking up where He left off”?