Luke 9:2

And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

And {G2532} he sent {G649} them {G846} to preach {G2784} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} to heal {G2390} the sick {G770}.

and he sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal.

And He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

And he sent them forth to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

Commentary

Luke 9:2 presents a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, detailing the core mission He entrusted to His twelve disciples. Having just empowered them with authority over demons and diseases (as mentioned in Luke 9:1), Jesus sends them out with a dual purpose: to herald the arrival of God's reign and to provide tangible relief through healing.

Context

This verse follows Jesus' selection and preparation of His inner circle. The "them" refers specifically to the twelve apostles, whom Jesus had called to be His closest followers and to learn from His example. Their commissioning marks a significant step in the expansion of Jesus' ministry, moving from His personal work to empowering others to carry on His mission. This event is paralleled in other Gospels, such as Matthew 10:7-8 and Mark 6:12-13, highlighting its importance in the narrative of the early Christian movement.

Key Themes

  • Proclamation of the Kingdom of God: The primary directive was to "preach the kingdom of God." This refers not merely to a future heavenly realm, but to God's active, sovereign rule breaking into human history through Jesus Christ. It was a message of repentance, salvation, and the dawning of a new era under divine authority. The disciples were to declare that God's reign was at hand, inviting people to align with His will and purposes.
  • Holistic Ministry and Compassion: The instruction "and to heal the sick" demonstrates Jesus' holistic approach to ministry. The physical healing served as a powerful sign and validation of the spiritual message of the kingdom. It showcased God's compassion for human suffering and His power to overcome the effects of sin and brokenness. This intertwining of word and deed was characteristic of Jesus' own ministry (e.g., Matthew 4:23) and became a hallmark of the early church.
  • Divine Authority and Empowerment: The disciples were not sent in their own strength but with authority granted by Jesus. This empowerment enabled them to perform miraculous healings, which were not just acts of kindness but demonstrations of God's power working through them, authenticating their message about the Kingdom of God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "preach" is kēryssō (κηρύσσω), meaning "to herald," "to proclaim aloud," or "to publish." It signifies a public and authoritative declaration, much like a royal messenger announcing a decree.
  • "Kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou - βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) emphasizes God's active reign and kingship, not just a geographical territory. It refers to the dynamic rule of God in the hearts of people and in the world, inaugurated by Christ.
  • "Heal" comes from the Greek iaomai (ἰάομαι), which means "to cure," "to make whole," or "to restore to health." It implies a complete restoration, not just temporary relief.

Practical Application

Luke 9:2 carries profound implications for believers today. It reminds us that the mission of God's people involves both proclamation and demonstration. We are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God with our words, but also to live out that message through acts of compassion, service, and seeking justice. Our actions, whether through caring for the sick, helping the needy, or standing for righteousness, can be powerful expressions of God's love and the reality of His Kingdom in the world. Just as Jesus empowered His disciples, He continues to empower believers through the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses (as seen in Acts 1:8), reflecting His character and extending His influence to those around us.

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Cross-References

  • Luke 10:9 (9 votes)

    And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

  • Matthew 10:7 (8 votes)

    And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Matthew 10:8 (8 votes)

    Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

  • Matthew 3:2 (6 votes)

    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

  • Mark 6:12 (5 votes)

    And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

  • Luke 9:11 (5 votes)

    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.

  • Matthew 13:19 (5 votes)

    When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth [it] not, then cometh the wicked [one], and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.