Luke 9:11

And the people, when they knew [it], followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And {G1161} the people {G3793}, when they knew {G1097} it, followed {G190} him {G846}: and {G2532} he received {G1209} them {G846}, and spake {G2980} unto them {G846} of {G4012} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} healed {G2390} them that had {G2192} need {G5532} of healing {G2322}.

But the crowds found out and followed him. Welcoming them, he went on to speak to them about the Kingdom of God and to heal those who needed to be healed.

But the crowds found out and followed Him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.

But the multitudes perceiving it followed him: and he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured.

Commentary on Luke 9:11

Luke 9:11 captures a poignant moment in Jesus' earthly ministry, highlighting His profound compassion and the core elements of His mission. Even as He sought a measure of solitude, the crowds, driven by their needs and desire for His presence, found Him.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of Jesus feeding the five thousand (Luke 9:10). After this miraculous provision, Jesus and His disciples withdrew to Bethsaida. However, the people, perhaps recognizing His destination or simply tracking His movements, followed Him. This demonstrates the immense draw Jesus had, as His fame for both teaching and healing spread throughout the region of Galilee.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Compassion and Accessibility: Despite His need for rest and privacy, Jesus "received them." This reveals His boundless empathy and willingness to minister to those who sought Him, prioritizing their needs over His own comfort. It underscores His divine nature, always open to those who approach Him.
  • The Centrality of the Kingdom of God: Jesus' primary message was about the Kingdom of God. He didn't just perform miracles; He taught profound spiritual truths that transformed lives and offered a new way of living under God's sovereign rule. This spiritual instruction was foundational to His ministry.
  • Holistic Ministry: Jesus addressed both the spiritual and physical needs of the people. He "spake unto them of the kingdom of God" (spiritual nourishment) and "healed them that had need of healing" (physical restoration). This dual approach is a hallmark of His ministry, demonstrating that God cares for the whole person. His healing ministry was a tangible sign of the Kingdom's presence and power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou) is central to Jesus' teachings throughout the Gospels. It refers not merely to a future heavenly realm, but to the present reality of God's active reign and rule in the hearts of believers and in the world through Christ. Jesus' words and actions were demonstrations of this divine authority and presence.

Practical Application

Luke 9:11 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Seeking Jesus: Just as the people eagerly followed Jesus, we are called to actively seek His presence and teaching in our lives.
  • Compassion in Action: Jesus' example reminds us to be open and responsive to the needs of others, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
  • Holistic Care: True ministry, like Jesus', addresses both the spiritual longing and the physical suffering of humanity. We are called to share the good news of the Kingdom and also to minister to practical needs, reflecting Christ's love in tangible ways. His comprehensive healing ministry serves as a model for caring for the whole person.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 1:53

    He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

  • Matthew 21:31

    Whether of them twain did the will of [his] father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

  • Romans 15:3

    For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

  • John 4:34

    Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

  • Luke 5:31

    And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.

  • Acts 28:31

    Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

  • Matthew 14:14

    And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

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