Definition: And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this very short passage from Matthew. It’s a really important part of the story leading up to Jesus’ arrest and trial. Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Jesus is answering the governor’s question. “And Jesus stood before the governor…” – This tells us Jesus was in a situation where he was being questioned or addressed by someone powerful. “…and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? ” – The governor is asking Jesus if he’s claiming to be king. It's a dramatic question designed to try and provoke a reaction from Jesus. It’s a way of trying to make Jesus look like he’s challenging authority. “And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest.” – This is the crucial part. Jesus doesn't immediately agree with the governor. Instead, he simply acknowledges the governor's question and says, “Thou sayest.” What does this all mean? It’s a moment of quiet resistance. Jesus isn't acknowledging his authority or power. He’s choosing to remain silent and not give in to the pressure. It highlights several things: His Sovereignty: Jesus is asserting that he is God, and he doesn’t need to be acknowledged by anyone. Humility: He chooses to respond with quiet dignity rather than arguing or defending himself. A Test of Faith: The governor's question was a test of faith – a way of trying to see if Jesus would bend to political pressure. Why is this important? This short exchange is considered one of the most powerful moments in the Gospels. It shows: Jesus’ Position: He’s asserting his divine nature and refusing to be treated as a mere puppet. His Intentions: It suggests that Jesus is focused on speaking truth and justice, rather than being swayed by power. In short, this verse is a snapshot of Jesus choosing to remain silent in the face of a powerful challenge, setting the stage for his eventual arrest. --- Do you want me to: Explain another passage from Matthew? Discuss the significance of this verse in more detail?