Definition: And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Mark 7:31. It’s a really important part of understanding Jesus’ teachings about sin and repentance. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus is showing that people were very far away from God – incredibly far away – and weren’t truly sorry for their sins. Here's a more detailed explanation: “Departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon…” : Tyre and Sidon are two cities in Lebanon. They were important trade centers, but they were also very wealthy and involved in lots of religious practices – including worshipping false gods. Jesus was showing that these people were actively practicing those false gods and ignoring God's law. “…and came unto the sea of Galilee…” : The “sea of Galilee” is a beautiful, calm lake in Israel. It’s a place of peace and reflection. Jesus chose this location to show his followers that he was coming to meet people who were really far from God. “…through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis.” : This means Jesus traveled through a large area of land – encompassing parts of modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon – that was also filled with people practicing wrong worship. So, what’s the big takeaway? Jesus is saying that these people were so far removed from God's grace that they weren't even trying to follow his teachings or repent of their sins. They were preoccupied with false gods and practices, making it impossible for them to be reconciled with God. Why is this important? This story highlights the importance of: Repentance: Jesus was showing that true repentance – a turning away from sin – requires a change in heart and a willingness to follow God’s will. God's Sovereignty: It shows that God doesn’t just tolerate wrongdoing; he actively intervenes to bring people back to him. In short, Mark 7:31 tells us that Jesus was showing the world that some people were so far from God that they couldn't be saved. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., its connection to the Old Testament?) Give you a quick summary of what it means for Christians?