Definition: And when the Pharisees saw [it], they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this Bible passage together. It’s a really important question from Jesus’ time, and it’s about something that can be a little tricky to understand at first. Here’s the explanation: Basically, it's asking why Jesus is spending time with people who aren’t Jewish – people who are considered "sinners" or "publicans." Let’s unpack it word by word: “Matthew 9:11” : This refers to a specific event in Matthew’s Gospel (a book about Jesus). It's a conversation that happens after Jesus has performed a miracle – he heals someone. “And when the Pharisees saw [it]” : The Pharisees are a group of Jewish leaders who were very strict about following the law and rules. They believed it was important to be perfect in their obedience. "Saw it" means they noticed something unusual or out of place. “they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?” : This is the key part! The Pharisees are asking Jesus why he’s spending time with these people. They're puzzled – why would a master (someone who respects their father/mother) be eating with them? What does it mean ? Jesus is saying that he’s not just being friendly; he’s deliberately choosing to spend time with people who aren't part of the Jewish community. This was a very unusual thing for Jesus, at this point in his ministry. It suggests: He wants to teach them a deeper truth. Maybe he’s trying to show them something important about God or about being a good person. He's testing their faith. It might be a way for Jesus to see how they react to him and whether they are willing to follow his teachings. Important Note: The Pharisees weren't necessarily evil . They were very concerned with following the rules of the law, and sometimes this caused them to judge people harshly. So, this situation is a bit complex – it’s not about Jesus being disrespectful; it’s about him deliberately choosing to be in a particular setting. In short: The Pharisees are questioning why Jesus is spending time with these non-Jewish people, suggesting he's doing something unusual and perhaps teaching them a deeper lesson. --- Do you want me to: Explain this passage further? Give you an analogy to help you understand it better?