And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus points out that his mission isn't just about powerful miracles or healing a few people; it's about actively spreading the message. He came "to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God," indicating a purposeful, outward movement to share God's truth with as many as possible.
And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After an intense day of healing in Capernaum, including Peter's mother-in-law and numerous others, Jesus resists the disciples' implied desire to keep Him there. He proposes they move on to neighboring towns, explaining that his purpose in coming was to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom throughout the region, not just in one place. This sets the stage for his wider ministry across Galilee.
Jesus wasn't just performing miracles; He had a specific purpose for being here. What was it?
Jesus states plainly, 'for that is why I came out.' This wasn't a casual remark, but the core of His mission. The original Greek word (and Luke's parallel account) emphasizes that He was sent by God. His coming wasn't random; it was a divine assignment. Every action, every teaching, every miracle was in service to this overarching purpose: to announce and inaugurate the Kingdom of God.
Think of it like this: if you were sent on a crucial mission, wouldn't every step be guided by that objective? Jesus' entire life and ministry were focused on this divine mandate.
Jesus just healed many and drew a huge crowd. Why didn't He stay? Where was He headed next?
Even with a packed house in Capernaum, Jesus was already looking ahead. He says, 'Let us go on to the next towns.' This shows His mission wasn't to be contained in one place. The 'towns' mentioned here were likely smaller, surrounding villages – not major cities. This means Jesus was intentionally reaching out to communities that might otherwise be overlooked.
He understood that the good news of God's Kingdom wasn't just for the eager crowds already seeking Him out. It was for everyone. His zeal to 'preach there also' demonstrates an unwavering commitment to expand the reach of His message, ensuring that the Kingdom's invitation was offered broadly.
Understand the original words
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kēryssō · Greek Verb
A public proclamation or announcement, typically referring to the heralding of the good news of the Kingdom of God and the call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus' mission was not to stay in one place, but to spread the message of God's kingdom throughout the region, responding to the needs of the people while staying true to his divine calling.
c. 7 BC - c. AD 30/33
Jesus' Early Life and Ministry
Jesus grows up in Nazareth and begins his public ministry, calling disciples and performing miracles in Galilee.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Heals Simon's Mother-in-Law
After leaving the synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus enters Simon Peter's home and heals his mother-in-law of a fever.
c. AD 27-30
Crowds Gather in Capernaum
News of Jesus' healing spreads, and large crowds, including many who are sick and demon-possessed, gather at Peter's house seeking healing.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Withdraws to Pray
Jesus slips away early in the morning to a solitary place to pray, seeking communion with God before continuing his work.
c. AD 27-30
Disciples Find Jesus
Simon and the other disciples find Jesus and report that the crowds are still looking for him, wanting him to stay.
c. AD 27-30— this verse
Jesus Decides to Move On
Jesus tells his disciples they must move on to the next towns to preach the good news of God's kingdom, as this is the purpose of his coming.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Preaches Throughout Galilee
Jesus embarks on a wider preaching tour, going into synagogues throughout the region of Galilee and casting out demons.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' statement, clarifying that His 'coming forth' was a divine mission: 'I was sent to preach the kingdom of God to the other towns, for on this account I was sent.'
John 16:28This verse provides deeper theological context for Jesus' mission, echoing His earlier statement about His origin and purpose: 'I came from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.'
Isaiah 61:1-3This prophecy describes the very mission Jesus is embarking on, highlighting the proclamation of good news and liberation, which was His ultimate purpose for 'coming forth.'
Matthew 28:19-20These verses outline the Great Commission, showing how Jesus' initial mission to preach in towns and villages expanded into a global mandate for His followers, continuing His work.
vincentMark 1:38: "And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth."
Towns (κωμοπόλεις)Lit., village-towns, suburban towns.
barnesMark 1:38: "And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth."
And he said unto them ... - This was said in answer to their "implied" request that he would go and meet the multitudes. "Since the anxiety to hear the truth is so great, since such multitudes are waiting to hear the word, let us go into the next towns," etc. Next towns - Towns in the neighborhood or vicinity of Capernaum. He proposed to carry the gospel to them, rather t…
Jesus points out that his mission isn't just about powerful miracles or healing a few people; it's about actively spreading the message. He came "to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God," indicating a purposeful, outward movement to share God's truth with as many as possible.
After an intense day of healing in Capernaum, including Peter's mother-in-law and numerous others, Jesus resists the disciples' implied desire to keep Him there. He proposes they move on to neighboring towns, explaining that his purpose in coming was to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom throughout the region, not just in one place. This sets the stage for his wider ministry across Galilee.
After an intense day of healing in Capernaum, including Peter's mother-in-law and numerous others, Jesus resists the disciples' implied desire to keep Him there. He proposes they move on to neighboring towns, explaining that his purpose in coming was to proclaim the good news of God's kingdom throughout the region, not just in one place. This sets the stage for his wider ministry across Galilee.
"And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.”" — Jesus points out that his mission isn't just about powerful miracles or healing a few people; it's about actively spreading the message. He came "to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God," ind…
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Last reviewed October 2026