Definition: But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, [a city] of Sidon, unto a woman [that was] a widow.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 4:26. It’s a really important and slightly mysterious part of Jesus’ story. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is sending himself to a specific location – Sarepta – to be investigated. He’s essentially saying, “I need someone to look into this, and I want them to go to a particular place.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: "But unto none of them was Elias sent..." This means Jesus wasn't sending anyone specifically to Elias. Elias was a Jewish priest who was known for his faith, but this verse focuses on him being the focus. "...save unto Sarepta, [a city] of Sidon..." This tells us where Jesus is going. Sarepta was a city in Lebanon, and it’s called “Sidon” – which is a name associated with a specific group of people in ancient times. So, he's going to a city near the border of Lebanon. "...unto a woman [that was] a widow." This is the key part! The verse introduces a woman named Sarah. She’s a widow – meaning she has lost her husband and children. What does this all mean? It's a really strange and dramatic setup. It suggests several possibilities: Jesus was considering his own death: The fact that he’s sending himself to a city near the border of Lebanon, with a widow, implies he’s thinking about his own future – specifically, his impending death. A test or investigation: It could be that Jesus is asking someone to investigate something specific related to his life and ministry. Perhaps there's something troubling or unusual happening that he needs to understand better. In essence, this verse introduces a layer of mystery and suggests a significant moment of reflection for Jesus. It’s a pivotal point in the narrative that sets the stage for the events that follow. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore the possible interpretations of the verse?