Definition: And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain [man] said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Luke 9:57. It’s a really important and somewhat surprising moment in Jesus’ ministry. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is walking with his disciples (the followers of him) when he comes across a man who’s looking at him intently. The man, named Thomas, says to Jesus, “Lord, I will follow you whithersoever you go.” What it Means – Simplified: “As they went in the way…” : This means Jesus was walking with his disciples when Thomas spoke. “…a certain [man]” : The verse refers to a specific man, Thomas. It's important to remember that this isn’t just any Thomas; it’s a particular Thomas who was already looking at Jesus. “said unto him…” : He spoke directly to Thomas. “…Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” : This is the core of the verse. He's asking Jesus to follow him anywhere he goes. The Significance - It’s About Obedience & Calling: This seems like a pretty straightforward request, but it’s incredibly significant for several reasons: It shows Thomas's faith: He's showing genuine belief and willingness to follow Jesus, even though he wasn't initially part of his group. It’s a test of Jesus's authority: Jesus is setting up a challenge – a test of who truly believes in him. It’s the beginning of Jesus’s ministry: This act of asking to follow Jesus sets the stage for the rest of his life and the journey he would take. It’s a pivotal moment where Jesus begins his work of teaching, healing, and ultimately, sacrificing himself. In short, this verse is about a man who dared to ask Jesus to follow him, demonstrating a deep faith and setting the course for his extraordinary ministry. --- Do you have any other questions about this verse or want me to explain it in a different way? For example, would you like to know: Why this story is important historically? What does it mean symbolically?