Definition: But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:3: “But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?” Here's a simple explanation: This verse is about faith and obedience. It’s essentially saying Jesus is pointing out that people are following traditions or customs – things they’ve learned from others – instead of listening to what God has specifically told them. Let’s unpack it further: “He answered…” : Jesus is speaking directly to a group of people (likely the Jewish crowd). “…and said unto them…” : He's giving a direct instruction or warning. “Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God?” : This is the key part! “Commandment” means a rule or law that God has given. Jesus is asking, "Are you breaking his rules?" In short: Jesus is telling people that they are straying from what God has taught them and following their own ideas instead of trusting in His word. It’s about obedience to God's laws. What does this mean in the bigger picture? This verse is important because it highlights a tension between: God’s Law: The Bible says that humans are given a moral code by God, and following that code is essential for a good life. Tradition: People often learn customs and practices from their families, culture, or historical figures. These traditions can be valuable, but they shouldn't replace God’s teachings. Does this mean we should stop following tradition? Not necessarily! Tradition can be a helpful guide. However, it's crucial to make sure we are obeying God’s law and not just blindly following what others do. It’s about aligning our actions with God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you a more detailed explanation of the context of this passage?

Definition: And great multitudes came unto him, having with them [those that were] lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus’ feet; and he healed them:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 15:30. It's a really powerful story about Jesus’ compassion and healing. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Imagine a crowd is gathering around Jesus – a huge group of people! They’re not just a few; they’re lots of people – including those with disabilities, like lame people, blind people, or people who have been injured. They're also including people with things that might hinder them from being able to participate in the celebration or worship. What Happened Next: Jesus, seeing this, immediately reached out and healed these people. He did this with his feet – that’s a really significant detail! It shows incredible kindness and care. Let's unpack it further: "Great multitudes": This means a huge, enthusiastic crowd. “Having with them [those that were]…”: This phrase highlights the inclusion of people who weren’t originally allowed to participate. It shows Jesus was welcoming everyone, regardless of their limitations. “…lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others”: This is a list of all sorts of disabilities – people with physical impairments, those who were severely limited in their abilities, and even some who had suffered trauma or misfortune. It emphasizes that Jesus cared about everyone , not just the healthy. “…cast them down at Jesus’ feet…”: This is a key part! The crowd was incredibly disrespectful – they were loudly talking and gesturing, and they were making a show of their discomfort or disbelief. “He healed them:” Jesus continued to heal them, demonstrating his power and love. The Overall Meaning: This verse is about compassion and mercy . Jesus didn't just treat the physically sick; he treated people with limitations – people who were considered "less than." It’s a powerful reminder that God loves all of us, regardless of our differences or challenges. It shows that Jesus was focused on helping those who are in need, and that his love is boundless. Why is it important? This story is often seen as an early example of Jesus’ ministry – he wasn't just teaching; he was actively reaching out to people who were marginalized and excluded. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Relate this story to a specific theme (like forgiveness or love)?

Definition: Insomuch that the multitude wondered, when they saw the dumb to speak, the maimed to be whole, the lame to walk, and the blind to see: and they glorified the God of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:31. It's a really interesting story about God’s amazing power and how He chooses to reveal Himself. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment when God showed His power and love through a miraculous event. It’s saying, “God is powerful and kind, and He wants to show us who He is.” Let's break it down word by word: "Matthew 15:31" : This tells us where this story happened – in the Gospel of Matthew, which is one of the four books about Jesus. "Insomuch that..." : This means "to such a degree that..." or “in such a way that…” It’s emphasizing how much something is happening. "...the multitude wondered..." : This refers to the people gathered – the crowd, likely at a festival or event. They were confused and puzzled. "...when they saw the dumb to speak..." : The "dumb" are people who couldn’t talk, like those with disabilities. They were speechless. "...the maimed to be whole..." : This means people who had been injured – perhaps broken bones – were healing and regaining their strength. They were being restored to wholeness. "...the lame to walk..." : This describes people who couldn’t move freely, like those with disabilities. They were now able to walk again. "...and the blind to see..." : This is a really significant part – people who couldn't see were suddenly able to see clearly! They were receiving God’s sight and understanding. "...and they glorified the God of Israel." : Finally, after all these miraculous events, the people started to praise and acknowledge God as the one who created everything and brought it into being. They recognized that this was the true God. What does it mean overall? The verse is a story about God’s power to heal, restore, and reveal Himself. It shows that God isn't just powerful in doing things, but also in showing Himself – through miraculous events that demonstrate His love and grace. It’s a moment of awe and recognition of the divine. Why is it important? This story is considered one of the earliest examples of the idea that God reveals Himself to humanity. It's a cornerstone of Christian theology, showing that God wants a relationship with us! --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other stories in the Bible?

Definition: Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him], and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:32. It's a really important passage about Jesus’ care for his followers. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is saying he’s with his disciples for a long time – three days, actually – and they are facing a difficult situation where they don’t have enough food. He’s concerned about their well-being and wants to keep them safe and comfortable. Let's unpack it word by word: “Matthew 15:32 Then Jesus called his disciples [unto him]” : This means “Jesus called his followers to come with him.” “and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.” This is the core of the verse. Let's break it down further: "I have compassion on the multitude..." : Jesus feels sympathy and understanding for his followers. He’s worried about their situation. "...because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat:" : They are stuck in a period where they don't have enough food. It sounds like they need sustenance. "and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way." : This is the most important part. Jesus doesn’t want them to stop eating and being hungry. He understands that hunger can be a serious problem, and he's worried about their physical well-being. He wants to keep them safe and healthy. Overall Meaning: Jesus recognizes that his followers are facing a challenge and is showing compassion and concern for them. He’s offering them comfort and protection by keeping them with him, even if they don’t have enough food. Why it's significant: This verse highlights Jesus' care for his people and his willingness to support them through difficult times. It shows that he’s a loving and attentive leader. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of this passage in the Bible? Talk about what it might mean for Jesus to be compassionate? Discuss its significance within the story of the disciples?

Definition: And his disciples say unto him, Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 15:33. It’s a really important question Jesus posed to his disciples! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Situation: Jesus is traveling through the wilderness with his disciples – a group of men who were following him. They’re facing a real problem: they have a large amount of food and bread that they need to feed a big crowd of people. What Jesus Asked: He asked them, “Whence should we have so much bread in the wilderness, as to fill so great a multitude?” Basically, he was asking, "How can we possibly feed everyone who’s following us when there's so much food available?" The Core of the Verse – It's about Generosity & Sharing: This verse is really about sharing and understanding what it means to be generous. Jesus wasn't asking for a huge amount of food, but rather, he was highlighting that God gives us enough to share with others. Here’s the deeper meaning in simpler terms: “So much bread” : This refers to a significant amount of food – likely enough to feed many people. “Fill so great a multitude” : This means it's so much that it could overwhelm everyone who is following Jesus. Jesus’s Point: Jesus isn't saying we should be greedy or selfish. He’s showing us that God gives us a responsibility to share our blessings with others. It’s about recognizing that God provides, and then using that provision to help those in need. In essence, the verse is a reminder of generosity and compassion – that God wants us to be generous with His gifts, especially to those who are struggling or lacking. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide a context for when this passage was written (which is important)? Connect it to another Bible story or concept?

Definition: And Jesus saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this short passage from Matthew 15:34. It’s a really important story about Jesus teaching his disciples how to feed a crowd! Here's the simple explanation: Basically, Jesus is asking them if they have enough food. He’s noticing they have seven loaves of bread and a few small fish. What’s the key takeaway? Jesus isn’t really concerned with how many they have. Instead, he’s focusing on their faith and willingness to share . Here's a breakdown: “And Jesus saith unto them…” – This is Jesus speaking. He’s giving instructions. “…How many loaves have you?” - He’s asking a direct question about the quantity of food they possess. “And they said, Seven, and a few little fishes.” – This describes what they actually have. They have seven loaves and a small number of fish. “Little fishes” is a poetic way of saying they only have a very limited amount. The lesson: Jesus isn’t just interested in the amount of food; he's encouraging them to be generous and share with others, even when it seems like there isn't much. It emphasizes that giving generously, even with small amounts, is more important than having a lot. In essence, it's a story about humility and serving others. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?

Definition: And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that verse from Matthew 15:35: “And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.” Basically, it means Jesus was telling people to lower themselves onto the floor. Here's a simpler explanation of what's happening in the context: Jesus is speaking: He’s addressing a crowd – likely thousands of people – and giving them a command. He’s emphasizing something important: The word "commanded" suggests he's making this a really significant thing, perhaps a moment of reverence or reflection. The action itself: It’s a symbolic gesture. It wasn't just about them lowering themselves; it was a way to show respect and acknowledge God’s presence. Why might he do this? Historically, this is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus was teaching a lesson about humility or recognizing the importance of being present with him. It could also be a symbolic act signifying a transition in the story – moving from a more public setting to a quieter, more intimate one. In short: He's telling them to lower themselves on the ground as a way to show respect and perhaps focus on what he’s saying. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Give you some historical context around this passage?

Definition: And he took the seven loaves and the fishes, and gave thanks, and brake [them], and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:36 together. It’s a really important story about Jesus’s teaching and how he wanted to share his message with people. Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Jesus was showing his disciples (his followers) how to serve others. Let’s unpack each part: “Matthew 15:36” : This is the verse we’re focusing on. It’s a specific moment in the Gospel of Matthew. “He took seven loaves and fishes…” - Jesus was offering food to people who were hungry or thirsty. He chose seven loaves (which were big) and several fish (which are quite large). “…and gave thanks…” : This is a key part. Jesus wasn’t just handing out food; he was showing gratitude . It meant acknowledging that God had provided this food, and it was good to be thankful for His generosity. “…and broke [them]” : This is where it gets interesting. He didn't just serve the food casually. He broke them – meaning he cut them into smaller pieces. This shows a sense of humility and letting go of control. It’s like saying, “Let me share this with you.” “…and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.” : This is the really important part! Jesus then distributed these small portions of food to his followers (the people he had chosen to teach). He wanted them to share it. The Overall Meaning: Jesus was teaching his disciples a practical way to show love and compassion. It wasn’t just about giving food; it was about demonstrating that God's generosity is being used to help others. It’s a powerful example of Jesus's desire to be involved in the lives of those around him, and to share His message of love and service. Why is this important? This story highlights several key themes: Serving Others: It emphasizes that true faith involves helping others. Gratitude: It shows that acknowledging God's blessings is essential. Sharing: It demonstrates Jesus’s desire to be involved in the lives of those who believe Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this story further? Discuss a related Bible passage?

Definition: And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken [meat] that was left seven baskets full.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Matthew 15:37. It's a really interesting story about how Jesus dealt with a situation involving food! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jesus was teaching about sharing and generosity. He was showing his disciples that everyone should share their food with those who were hungry. Suddenly, they started eating all the leftover meat – a significant amount – and filled seven baskets! Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And they did all eat..." : This means the entire group of people was eating a lot. "...and were filled:" : They were incredibly full and satisfied. It suggests a sense of abundance. “They took up of the broken [meat] that was left…” : This is where it gets a bit tricky. "Broken meat" refers to the leftover pieces of the sacrificial lamb, which was offered as a gift for their people. Jesus was pointing out that there was still food available. "...seven baskets full." : This is a really significant number! It's like saying they filled seven baskets – an enormous amount of food. The Significance & Interpretation: This story is often interpreted as a powerful message about: Generosity and Sharing: Jesus was emphasizing the importance of being generous with your resources, especially when it comes to those who are less fortunate. Compassion & Concern for Others: He was showing his disciples that he cared deeply about their well-being. A Reminder of God’s Provision: It could also be seen as a reminder of the generosity of God and His provision for humanity. It's important to note: The exact meaning of "broken meat" isn’t definitively known, but it likely symbolizes a blessing or a generous gift from God. Do you want me to explain any part of this story in more detail, perhaps focusing on the symbolism or its context? Or would you like me to explore another Bible verse?

Definition: And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 15:38: “And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children.” Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse describes a significant event in the early years of Jesus’ ministry. It tells us about a group of people who ate bread and wine – likely a celebratory meal – and then, surprisingly, there were four thousand men alongside women and children. What it Means - Let's unpack it: “They that did eat” : This refers to a specific group of people – probably the disciples of Jesus. “Four thousand men” : This is the key part! It’s a huge number. Four thousand men is a substantial amount, suggesting a large and important gathering. “Beside women and children” : This clarifies that the four thousand men were not alone. They were accompanied by a considerable number of women and children. Why is this significant? This story has several layers of meaning, and it’s often seen as a powerful illustration of: Jesus' Impact: It demonstrates how Jesus was attracting a large audience – people who were captivated by his teachings and message. The Importance of Community: It shows that Jesus was connecting with a significant group of people, and he needed to provide for them. The Role of Hospitality: The presence of women and children suggests a welcoming and hospitable environment. In short, the verse tells us about a large group of people who ate bread and wine, and they were accompanied by many women and children – highlighting Jesus’ impact and the importance of community. --- Do you want me to explain anything in more detail? For example: We could delve deeper into the context of this story. I can give you a little background on the original audience of the meal.