Definition: And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Luke 9:47: “And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him.” Basically, it means Jesus saw that people really didn’t want to follow him. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart…” – This is key. “Perceiving” means understanding what someone is thinking. Jesus was noticing their minds and intentions. It's not just that they might want to follow him; he saw they were actively considering it. “…took a child…” – He chose a specific child, likely one of the disciples, as an example. “and set him by him” – This is the most important part. Jesus gently placed this child right next to him, signifying that he was offering them a chance to connect with him and learn about his teachings. What's the big takeaway? This verse shows Jesus’ care for people. He wasn’t just interested in what they were saying, but how they were thinking. It implies that he recognized that people might be resistant to following him, and he took a step to offer them an opportunity – a chance to encounter his message. Why is this important? This story highlights Jesus' compassion and willingness to connect with people even when they don’t readily accept him. It's a foundational moment in the narrative of Jesus' ministry - it shows he's understanding and prioritizing those who are seeking him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context about this story?