Luke 5:15
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that the crowds weren't just coming to hear Jesus; they were coming "to be healed of their infirmities." This shows their primary focus was on physical restoration, a powerful reminder that even in Jesus' time, many sought him more for what he could do than who he was.
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He instructed him to keep the encounter quiet. However, the healed man couldn't contain his excitement and spread the word widely, causing Jesus' fame to grow even more. This led to massive crowds seeking Him out, not just to hear His teachings but also to be healed of their ailments, which sometimes hindered Jesus' primary mission of proclaiming the Kingdom.
Jesus just healed a man with leprosy and told him to keep it quiet. But what happened next? The opposite!
Verse 15 tells us, 'But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him.'
This phrase, 'so much the more,' is fascinating. It suggests that despite Jesus's direct instruction for silence, the news of his miraculous healing spread like wildfire. It wasn't just a gentle whisper; it was a growing roar.
Everyone wanted to be healed by Jesus. But was it just for physical ailments?
The verse states that great multitudes gathered 'to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities.' The Greek word for 'to be healed' here implies an active participation – 'to have themselves healed.'
This detail is crucial. It wasn't just passive reception; the people were actively seeking this relief.
Understand the original words
astheneia · Greek Noun
Physical sickness, weakness, or frailty. In the ministry of Jesus, these are often the objects of his healing power, demonstrating his authority over the consequences of the fall.
The crowds' intense focus on physical healing, driven by the widespread fame of Jesus' miracles, threatened to overshadow His primary mission of teaching and spiritual redemption. This created a tension where Jesus had to actively seek solitude to maintain focus on His divine purpose.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus begins His public ministry in Galilee after His baptism and temptation, teaching in synagogues and gathering disciples.
c. AD 28— this verse
Healing of a Leper
Jesus heals a man suffering from leprosy, a highly contagious and socially isolating disease, despite the man's initial disobedience in spreading the news.
c. AD 28
Report of Jesus' Miracles Spreads
News of Jesus' miraculous healing powers, including the leper incident, spreads widely, leading to increased public attention and crowds.
c. AD 28
Jesus Withdraws to Solitude
In response to the overwhelming crowds, Jesus retreats to desolate places to pray and escape the intense public demand for His healing ministry.
This passage immediately precedes Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, highlighting his ministry of teaching and healing that drew crowds, setting the stage for the widespread fame mentioned in Luke 5:15.
Mark 1:45This verse in Mark parallels Luke 5:15, showing how the leper Jesus healed disobeyed his command for silence, causing Jesus' fame to spread even further and leading to large crowds seeking him.
John 6:2This verse describes a great crowd following Jesus, indicating a consistent pattern of large gatherings eager to see and experience his power, mirroring the crowds described in Luke 5:15.
Acts 4:16This passage shows the religious authorities acknowledging the undeniable sign of healing that had occurred through Peter and John, demonstrating how Jesus' healing ministry continued to be a significant marker of his identity and power through his followers.
pulpitLuke 5:15: "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities."
Verse 15. - But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities. It is evident that his wishes and commands were neglected, possibly out of a mistaken feeling of gratitude. The result was that his work of teaching was hindered by the crowds who resort…
jfbLuke 5:15: "But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities."
- But so, &c.—(See Mr 1:45).
The verse highlights that the crowds weren't just coming to hear Jesus; they were coming "to be healed of their infirmities." This shows their primary focus was on physical restoration, a powerful reminder that even in Jesus' time, many sought him more for what he could do than who he was.
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He instructed him to keep the encounter quiet. However, the healed man couldn't contain his excitement and spread the word widely, causing Jesus' fame to grow even more. This led to massive crowds seeking Him out, not just to hear His teachings but also to be healed of their ailments, which sometimes hindered Jesus' primary mission of proclaiming the Kingdom.
After Jesus miraculously healed a man with leprosy, He instructed him to keep the encounter quiet. However, the healed man couldn't contain his excitement and spread the word widely, causing Jesus' fame to grow even more. This led to massive crowds seeking Him out, not just to hear His teachings but also to be healed of their ailments, which sometimes hindered Jesus' primary mission of proclaiming the Kingdom.
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With crowds pressing in, demanding healing, what did Jesus do? He slipped away.
The commentaries point out a vital contrast in verse 16: 'And he withdrew to the desolate places, and there he prayed.'
This wasn't an escape out of fear, but a strategic move.
"But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities." — The verse highlights that the crowds weren't just coming to hear Jesus; they were coming "to be healed of their infirmities." This shows their primary focus was on physical restoration, a powerful re…
