Definition: But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 21:46: “But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Imagine Jesus is standing there, and people are trying to grab hold of him. They’re wanting to take him away, maybe to do something special or to be praised. But, instead of just taking him, they wanted to treat him as a prophet – someone who speaks truth or has a special message. They were hoping he would do something extraordinary and grand. So, the verse is saying that people’s desire to control Jesus was causing fear. They weren't interested in his power or importance; they were worried about what might happen if he acted like a prophet. It’s a bit of a symbolic story. Jesus understood that people often have big ideas and ambitions, and sometimes those ambitions can be disruptive. It reminds us to be mindful of how our actions might be perceived and to consider the impact we have on others. --- To help me explain it even better for you , could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand about this verse? (Are you curious about its meaning, its historical context, or something else?)