Definition: But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 22:56. It’s a really important moment in the story of Jesus' betrayal. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: A woman, likely one of his disciples, is watching Jesus as he’s teaching and relaxing by the fire. She isn’t just passively observing; she’s seriously focused on him. And she says something that reveals a lot about her feelings – she recognizes him as being with him. Let's unpack it: “But a certain maid…” : This tells us who this woman is. It’s not just any maid; it’s someone close to Jesus, likely one of his disciples. “…beheld him as he sat by the fire…” : “Beheld” means to look at something with intense attention and awareness. She was seeing him clearly. He was sitting near a fire – a very common setting for teaching or prayer. “earnestly looked upon him…” : This is key! Her gaze wasn't just a casual glance. It’s a focused, thoughtful look. It shows she was truly noticing and appreciating Jesus. “…and said, ‘This man was also with him.’” : This is the core of the verse. She didn’t just observe; she recognized that he was present with Jesus in some way. She essentially says, "Yes, this person is with him." What does it mean? It's a powerful statement about Jesus' presence and importance to his followers. It suggests: Jesus was actively engaged: He wasn’t just teaching; he was also sharing time with people who were with him. He was being noticed: Her observation highlights that Jesus was drawing attention to himself, which is a significant thing. She felt a connection: Her words reveal a sense of recognition and perhaps even a feeling of being valued by Jesus. Why is this important? This verse is considered one of the earliest examples of a woman recognizing Jesus’ presence – it's a testament to the fact that Jesus was truly present with his followers, even in a seemingly quiet moment. It’s also a reminder of the importance of attentiveness and genuine connection when observing those around us. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some possible interpretations?