but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus clarifies that his core mission isn't just about miraculous healings, but a deeper "declaration of the glad tidings of the kingdom"—he was specifically "sent for this purpose." This isn't merely a job; it's a divine imperative, explaining his constant movement to spread the message.
but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After an incredible day of healing in Capernaum, crowds clamor for Jesus to stay, but He knows His mission is much larger than one town. He tells them He must spread the good news of God's kingdom to other cities too, because that's precisely why He was sent. He then departs, continuing His journey through Galilee to bring the message to all the towns.
The crowds wanted Jesus to stay, but He felt a divine pull to move on. What drove this urgency?
Jesus' response here isn't about rejecting the people; it's about fulfilling His primary mission. He uses the phrase "I must preach," highlighting a sense of divine compulsion, a moral obligation that drives His actions. This isn't just a suggestion or a preference; it's the very reason for His existence and presence in the world. His mission wasn't to stay in one place, no matter how receptive the crowds, but to spread the "good news of the kingdom of God" to all the towns and regions. This urgency stems from the Father's sending Him, making the proclamation of the kingdom the non-negotiable core of His ministry.
The people wanted Jesus to stay put, but He had a higher priority. What does this teach us about His mission?
The people who sought Jesus out were amazed by His power and wanted Him to remain with them. However, Jesus recognized that His healing and miraculous acts, while powerful, were signposts pointing to a greater reality: the Kingdom of God. He explains that the core of His mission, the reason He was "sent," was to proclaim this kingdom. While the healing of individuals is a beautiful demonstration of God's care and power, it's a part of the larger message, not the entirety of it. Jesus prioritized the spiritual transformation and reconciliation offered by His kingdom over the immediate comfort of staying in one place to perform more miracles for a select group.
Understand the original words
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euangelizomai · Greek Verb
To proclaim as a herald; specifically, the authoritative declaration of the Gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ.
basileia tou Theou · Greek Noun phrase
The sovereign reign and rule of God, inaugurated through the ministry of Jesus and fully realized in His eternal kingdom.
apostellō · Greek Verb
To be dispatched by a higher authority with a specific commission; used here of Jesus’ divine mission from the Father to reconcile the world.
This moment highlights the relentless, purposeful drive of Jesus' ministry. Even when faced with popular demand and the gratitude of those he healed, he prioritized his divine commission to spread the message of God's kingdom across a wider area, underscoring that his mission was far larger than any single location or crowd.
c. AD 27-28— this verse
Jesus' Early Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry after his baptism and temptation, performing miracles and teaching in synagogues around the Sea of Galilee.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Heals Many in Capernaum
Jesus heals many people, including Peter's mother-in-law, and casts out demons in Capernaum and surrounding areas, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Withdraws to Pray
After a busy day of ministry and healing, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place early in the morning to pray, seeking communion with God.
c. AD 27-28
Crowds Seek Jesus
Disciples find Jesus and report that large crowds are looking for him, wanting him to stay and continue ministering to them.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Declares His Mission
Jesus explains that his primary mission is to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to other towns and cities, not just to remain in one place.
c. AD 28
Jesus Preaches Throughout Galilee
Jesus continues his ministry, traveling and preaching in the synagogues throughout the region of Galilee, fulfilling his divine purpose.
Jesus echoes this sentiment, stating His mission is to preach in the surrounding towns, highlighting the urgency and breadth of His calling.
Matthew 4:23This verse encapsulates Jesus' ministry, showing His consistent pattern of teaching, proclaiming the good news, and healing, all in preparation for the kingdom.
John 3:17Jesus' purpose for being sent into the world was not to condemn, but to save, underscoring the divine mission that drives His proclamation of the kingdom.
Acts 10:38This passage describes how God anointed Jesus to go about doing good and healing, which is the very demonstration and proof of the kingdom He was sent to preach.
jfbLuke 4:42-44: "And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them."
Lu 4:42-44. Jesus Sought Out at Morning Prayer, and Entreated to Stay, Declines from the Urgency of His Work.See on [1570]Mr 1:35-39, where we learn how early He retired, and how He was engaged in solitude when they came seeking Him.42. stayed him—"were staying Him," or sought to do it. What a contrast to the Gadarenes!…
ellicottLuke 4:43: "And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."
(43) I must preach. —Better, I must declare the glad tidings of the kingdom. The Greek verb is literally “to evangelise,” and is quite distinct from that commonly translated “preach.” To other cities also.—Literally, to the other cities, with a special reference, probably, to those of Galilee.
Jesus clarifies that his core mission isn't just about miraculous healings, but a deeper "declaration of the glad tidings of the kingdom"—he was specifically "sent for this purpose." This isn't merely a job; it's a divine imperative, explaining his constant movement to spread the message.
After an incredible day of healing in Capernaum, crowds clamor for Jesus to stay, but He knows His mission is much larger than one town. He tells them He must spread the good news of God's kingdom to other cities too, because that's precisely why He was sent. He then departs, continuing His journey through Galilee to bring the message to all the towns.
After an incredible day of healing in Capernaum, crowds clamor for Jesus to stay, but He knows His mission is much larger than one town. He tells them He must spread the good news of God's kingdom to other cities too, because that's precisely why He was sent. He then departs, continuing His journey through Galilee to bring the message to all the towns.
"but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.”" — Jesus clarifies that his core mission isn't just about miraculous healings, but a deeper "declaration of the glad tidings of the kingdom"—he was specifically "sent for this purpose." This isn't merel…
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Last reviewed October 2026