Definition: And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 4:6. It’s a really important passage about Jesus’ early ministry! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is asking God to protect him. He’s saying, “If you are the Son of God, then I need your help!” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And saith unto him…” : This is Jesus speaking directly to God. “…If thou be the Son of God…” : This is a very direct question. Jesus is essentially saying, “Are you really the Son of God?” He's emphasizing that he’s claiming divine authority. “…cast thyself down…” : This is the crucial part. Jesus is asking God to physically intervene and protect him. It means to let go of his body. “for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee:” This is a passage from the Old Testament. It tells us that in the Old Testament, angel groups would be assigned tasks for Jesus’s protection. This verse says God has already made plans to safeguard him. “…and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.” : This is the promise – a guarantee! God has appointed angels to watch over Jesus and to keep him safe from harm. If Jesus falls down, these angel groups will catch him up, preventing him from hitting his foot against a hard surface (like a rock). In short: Jesus is pleading with God to protect him physically, promising that angel groups will be there to catch him if he falls. It’s a powerful statement of faith and reliance on God's protection. Why is this verse significant? This passage highlights several important themes: Trust in God: Jesus is demonstrating his trust in God to protect him, even when facing challenges. Divine Protection: It speaks to the idea that God is actively involved in our lives and offers protection through His angels. Do you want me to explain any of these points further or perhaps discuss its context within the larger story of Jesus’ ministry?