Luke 13:22

KJV

And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he went {G1279} through {G2596} the cities {G4172} and {G2532} villages {G2968}, teaching {G1321}, and {G2532} journeying {G4160}{G4197} toward {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua continued traveling through town after town and village after village, teaching and making his way toward Yerushalayim.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages, teaching as He made His way toward Jerusalem.

American Standard Version

And he went on his way through cities and villages, teaching, and journeying on unto Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Luke 13:22 encapsulates a pivotal moment in Jesus' public ministry, portraying Him as actively engaged in teaching throughout the diverse communities of Galilee and Perea while simultaneously embarking on a deliberate and unwavering journey toward Jerusalem. This verse underscores the purposeful nature of His mission, highlighting both His commitment to proclaiming the Kingdom of God and His resolute progression toward the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive work in the capital city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within what scholars often refer to as Luke's "Travel Narrative" (Luke 9:51-19:27), a significant and unique section of this Gospel that meticulously details Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem. This extended narrative is not merely a geographical account but a theological framework, emphasizing Jesus' resolute determination to fulfill His divine mission in Jerusalem. Preceding [Luke 13:22](/luke/13-22 "Luke 13:22 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem"), Jesus has been teaching on various aspects of discipleship, the nature of the Kingdom, and the urgency of repentance, often using parables and direct instruction. His movement through "cities and villages" in this context signifies a broad, inclusive, and continuous ministry of proclamation, reaching a wide array of people before His climactic arrival in the city where His atoning work would be accomplished. The narrative flow consistently points towards Jerusalem as the destination of destiny.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey from Galilee to Jerusalem was a common pilgrimage route for Jews, especially during major festivals like Passover. While the most direct route passed through Samaria, many Jews, to avoid Samaritan territory, would travel east across the Jordan River into Perea and then south, crossing back into Judea near Jericho. This circuitous route through "cities and villages" (κώμας, _kōmas_, smaller settlements) and "cities" (πόλεις, _poleis_, larger towns) suggests Jesus was ministering to a diverse population, not limiting His outreach to the major centers or specific groups. Jerusalem itself was the religious, political, and cultural heart of Judaism, the seat of the Temple, and the expected place for the Messiah's arrival and, tragically, His rejection and crucifixion. The journey was physically demanding and often fraught with dangers, yet Jesus undertook it with resolute purpose, fully aware of what awaited Him there.
* **Key Themes:** [Luke 13:22](/luke/13-22 "Luke 13:22 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem") contributes to several overarching themes in Luke's Gospel. Foremost is the **Purposeful Journey and Divine Necessity** of Jesus' mission. The phrase "journeying toward Jerusalem" is not a casual travel note but a profound theological statement, emphasizing Jesus' unwavering determination and His conscious movement toward the place where His atoning work would be accomplished. This resolve is powerfully introduced in [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem"), where He "steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." Another key theme is the **Continuous and Inclusive Teaching Ministry** of Jesus. Even while on this arduous and significant journey, Jesus remained committed to His primary ministry of teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His engagement with people in both "cities and villages" highlights the **Broad Scope of His Ministry**, demonstrating that His message was for all, not confined to one place or segment of society, but extending to various communities, both large and small, as God's sovereign plan unfolded.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went through (Greek, _diaporeúomai_):** This verb signifies "to travel through" or "to pass by." In [Luke 13:22](/luke/13-22 "Luke 13:22 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem"), it emphasizes Jesus' active and pervasive movement across the landscape, indicating that His ministry was not static but dynamic, reaching into various localities. It suggests a thoroughness in His itinerancy, touching many places along His path.
* **teaching (Greek, _didáskō_):** This term means "to teach" in a broad application, encompassing instruction, imparting knowledge, and guiding. Its use here highlights that Jesus' journey was not merely a physical relocation but was intrinsically linked to His primary vocation as a divine instructor. Even as He moved towards His destiny, His commitment to educating and discipling His followers and the crowds remained central.
* **toward (Greek, _eis_):** As a primary preposition, _eis_ indicates movement "to or into" a specific point, often implying purpose or result. In the context of "journeying toward Jerusalem," it is crucial for conveying the directedness and intentionality of Jesus' travel. It signifies not just a general direction but a determined movement with a clear destination and a profound purpose in mind.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went through the cities and villages":** This clause describes the geographical scope and method of Jesus' ministry during this phase. It indicates His widespread engagement with the populace, not limiting Himself to major urban centers but also reaching into smaller, less prominent communities. This demonstrates the accessibility and comprehensive nature of His message, intended for all people regardless of their location.
* **"teaching":** This participle highlights the primary activity Jesus was engaged in throughout His travels. His journey was not a mere transit but a continuous act of proclamation and instruction. It underscores that His purpose was to impart the truths of the Kingdom of God, preparing hearts and minds for His ultimate work.
* **"and journeying toward Jerusalem":** This final phrase is highly significant, conveying the ultimate trajectory and divine purpose of Jesus' entire ministry. It signifies His resolute and unwavering progression toward the culmination of His redemptive mission. Jerusalem is not just a geographical destination but the divinely appointed place for His suffering, death, and resurrection, fulfilling ancient prophecies and securing salvation.

#### Literary Devices
[Luke 13:22](/luke/13-22 "Luke 13:22 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem") employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The phrase "cities and villages" utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting or complementary parts represent a whole, emphasizing the comprehensive reach of Jesus' ministry—He taught everywhere, in all types of settlements. The entire verse functions as a form of **Foreshadowing** and **Dramatic Irony**. The reader, knowing the ultimate outcome of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, understands the tragic yet redemptive significance of His purposeful movement, a knowledge not fully possessed by those He encountered along the way. Jerusalem itself serves as a powerful **Symbol** in this context, representing not merely a city but the nexus of divine prophecy, human rejection, and ultimate salvation. The verse also contributes to the **Pacing** of Luke's narrative, marking a deliberate and inexorable progression towards the climax of Jesus' earthly ministry, building anticipation for the events that will unfold in the capital.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Luke 13:22 profoundly illustrates the divine sovereignty and intentionality behind Jesus' earthly ministry. His journey to Jerusalem was not a casual or spontaneous decision but a divinely appointed progression towards the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. This unwavering commitment, even in the face of anticipated suffering, underscores Christ's perfect obedience to the Father's will. It highlights that the cross was not an accident but the very purpose for which He came, a journey undertaken with full knowledge and resolute determination. This commitment to His ultimate mission, even while actively engaged in teaching and healing, serves as a model for believers to pursue God's purposes with intentionality and perseverance, recognizing that true discipleship often involves a purposeful journey towards difficult, yet divinely ordained, ends.

* [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")
* [Mark 10:32-34](/mark/10-32-34 "Mark 10:32-34 - Jesus Foretells His Death a Third Time")
* [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food Is to Do God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Luke 13:22 offers a profound model for our own lives of faith and discipleship. Jesus' journey was marked by both purposeful movement and continuous ministry. He did not wait until He reached His final destination to engage in His calling; rather, His journey itself was an opportunity for teaching and transformation. This challenges us to consider how we are living with intentionality, aligning our daily activities and long-term goals with God's will for our lives. Are we merely passing through life, or are we actively engaging in the mission God has given us, even amidst our own "journeys" and challenges? Furthermore, Jesus' unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem, knowing the suffering that awaited Him, calls us to embrace God's purposes for us, even when they involve difficulty, sacrifice, or discomfort. Our faithfulness is not contingent on ease but on our commitment to His sovereign plan. We are called to be faithful witnesses, proclaiming the good news and living out our faith in every circumstance, just as Jesus taught relentlessly on His way to the cross.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' purposeful journey toward Jerusalem inspire my own intentionality in following God's will for my life?**
* **In what "cities and villages" (contexts or relationships) am I called to be actively "teaching" or sharing the Gospel today?**
* **What "Jerusalem" (difficult or challenging purpose) might God be calling me to move toward with resolute obedience, trusting in His ultimate plan?**

### FAQ
**Why is Jerusalem so important in this verse?**

Answer: Jerusalem is critically important in [Luke 13:22](/luke/13-22 "Luke 13:22 - Jesus' Journey to Jerusalem") because it represents the divinely appointed culmination of Jesus' earthly ministry. It was the capital city, the center of Jewish worship with the Temple, and the place where prophets were often rejected and killed ([Luke 13:33](/luke/13-33 "Luke 13:33 - Jerusalem, the City that Kills Prophets")). For Jesus, journeying "toward Jerusalem" was not just a geographical movement but a theological trajectory towards His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, which were necessary for the salvation of humanity. It signifies His obedience to God's will and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's atoning work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Luke 13:22, with its depiction of Jesus' resolute journey toward Jerusalem, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate purpose of His incarnation: to lay down His life as a ransom for many. This journey is not merely a geographical progression but a theological pilgrimage, leading directly to the cross and the empty tomb. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, was "journeying toward Jerusalem" to become the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the prophetic words of [Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He Was Oppressed and Afflicted") and echoing the declaration of [John the Baptist, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His unwavering resolve, even in the face of the suffering He knew awaited Him, perfectly illustrates the "joy that was set before him" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith"))—the joy of accomplishing salvation for His people. Thus, this verse points directly to Christ as the one whose entire life was oriented towards His redemptive mission, culminating in His death and resurrection in Jerusalem, thereby opening the way for all who believe to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life ([Luke 24:46-47](/luke/24-46-47 "Luke 24:46-47 - The Messiah Must Suffer and Rise")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 9:51

¶ And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem,

Matthew 9:35

¶ And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Mark 10:32

¶ And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

Mark 10:34

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

Luke 4:43

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.

Luke 4:44

And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

Mark 6:6

And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching.