Definition: And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous passage from Mark. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling verse in the Gospels. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling his followers – the disciples – that he will be struck by someone tonight. He’s anticipating an attack or some kind of trouble. The key part is that this attack isn't just a random act; it’s connected to him . Let's unpack it word-by-word: “And Jesus saith unto them…” : This is Jesus speaking, and he’s giving instructions. “Saying” means he’s communicating something important. “…All ye shall be offended because of me this night…” : This is the core of the warning. It suggests that someone (or something ) will be angry or upset with Jesus tonight. The word "offended" means to feel hurt, disappointed, or angry. “for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.” : This is where it gets really significant. “Smite” means to hit or defeat someone. The verse says that Jesus will strike this person (or something) – he’s going to punish them. And here's the crucial part: “the shepherd” refers to Jesus himself. The word "shepherd" is a metaphor for leadership and protection. So, this means Jesus will be struck – his power or authority will be challenged. What does it mean in a broader sense? This verse isn't just about a single person. It’s a warning about the potential for opposition to Jesus. It suggests: Jesus is vulnerable: He’s aware of potential challenges and threats, even from those closest to him. The disciples are being prepared: The verse is urging the disciples to be vigilant and ready for something bad to happen. They're being told to be cautious and watch out for danger. Why is it important? This passage is considered one of the most dramatic moments in the Bible because: It’s a preview of his crucifixion: The verse foreshadowed Jesus’ suffering and death, and it's often interpreted as a sign that he was about to be punished for his teachings. It highlights his role as shepherd: It speaks to Jesus’ position as leader and protector of his followers – a responsibility that could be challenged. In short, "Mark 14:27" warns that someone will be struck by Jesus tonight, and that this could lead to the scattering of his sheep. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its symbolism in more detail? Compare it to other examples of warnings in the Bible?