Definition: And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Mark’s Gospel (Matthew 22:4) in a way that’s easy to understand. Here’s what it means: Jesus is teaching about compassion and helping those who are suffering. Let's look at each part: “And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press…” - This means people were too crowded or busy to reach Jesus. Think of a line of people – they couldn’t get close enough to see or talk to him. “…they uncovered the roof where he was…” - Jesus is showing his presence and being in a special spot, perhaps under a covered area. He's making himself visible. “and when they had broken [it] up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay.” – This is the most important part. "The sick of the palsy" refers to people with a condition called palsy, which caused their muscles to become stiff and weak. Jesus is saying that he was comforting these people by gently lowering the bed where they were lying down. So, putting it all together: Jesus is showing his presence and offering comfort to people who couldn't reach him because there were too many people nearby. He’s gently lowering a bed for those with a painful condition, demonstrating that he cares about their suffering and offers help without being forceful or demanding. The main message of the verse is: Jesus is compassionate and willing to show his love and care even when it's difficult. It emphasizes his willingness to be present and offer comfort to those who are struggling. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps focusing on a specific aspect like: The symbolism of the bed? How this verse relates to other stories in the Bible?