Definition: And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Luke 9:41. It's a really powerful and challenging verse, and it speaks to a core issue of the time – a man who was trying to manipulate Jesus. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Jesus is traveling through Galilee when he encounters a man named Herod. Herod wants to kill Jesus because he believes Jesus is a threat to his power and kingdom. He's essentially trying to get rid of Jesus to prevent him from becoming a problem. What Jesus Says: Jesus responds with this incredibly strong statement: "O faithless and perverse generation... how long shall I be with you, and suffer you?" Faithless: This means he’s rejecting the idea that Herod is doing this for good reasons – to protect his kingdom. He's saying he doesn’t believe Herod is acting justly or responsibly. Perverse: This word is a bit trickier, but it means “selfish” or "unreasonable." Jesus is suggesting he’s being held back because the people are acting in ways that aren’t good or wise. What He's Asking: He’s asking, "How long will I be with you? And how long shall I suffer you?" It’s a question of his continued presence and influence. The Meaning Behind the Words: This verse is about Jesus’s position as Messiah. Jesus was prophesied to be the “Son of Man” who would redeem humanity from sin and death. Herod’s actions were seen as an attempt to thwart this redemption. By saying "how long shall I be with you?" Jesus is essentially saying that he will continue to be present, guiding and influencing people towards a better future – even if it means enduring some hardship or suffering. The Significance: This verse highlights several important themes: Jesus’s Role as Savior: It emphasizes that Jesus is not just a teacher but a powerful force for good, even when people resist him. The Importance of Faith and Obedience: It suggests that true faith – believing in Jesus and following his teachings – is essential to avoid being held back by selfish or misguided actions. His Endurance & Purpose: It also shows Jesus’s willingness to endure hardship and suffering for the sake of humanity's salvation. In short, Jesus is asking for a young generation to listen to him and obey his teachings – because he knows that without it, they risk being trapped by their own selfishness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or figure? Discuss the context of this passage in the time it was written?