And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over the simple statement "he healed them there," but notice the word "there." It highlights Jesus' consistent compassion; wherever crowds followed Him, whether for teaching or curiosity, He met their immediate physical needs, demonstrating that His divine purpose included caring for the whole person. This shows us that Jesus' ministry wasn't just about grand pronouncements, but about tangible acts of love and healing woven into the fabric of His journey.
And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is departing from Galilee and traveling toward Judea, passing through the region east of the Jordan River. As he moves, large crowds join him, drawn by his presence and seeking his healing touch, which he readily provides. This journey sets the stage for significant teachings, particularly regarding divorce, which are prompted by questions arising from these interactions.
Why did such massive crowds keep following Jesus, even as he moved from place to place? It wasn't just for a good sermon.
Matthew 19:2 highlights that "great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there." This tells us a lot about the people drawn to Jesus.
Diverse Motivations
Jesus met people right where they were, addressing their most immediate needs while also offering deeper spiritual truth.
Jesus' healing wasn't just about fixing bodies; it was a powerful message pointing to something much bigger.
The phrase 'he healed them there' in Matthew 19:2 is more than just a record of medical miracles. Jesus' healings served a vital purpose in his ministry:
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Revealing God's Power and Compassion
Jesus' departure from Galilee and journey towards Jerusalem was not just a geographical move, but a deliberate progression toward his ultimate purpose. The crowds following him, seeking healing, underscore the immense need and the widespread impact of his ministry even as he faced increasing opposition and knew his final destination.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus spent most of his public ministry in and around Galilee, teaching, preaching, and performing miracles. Cities like Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida were central to this period.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Departs Galilee
Jesus leaves Galilee, the region where he had primarily ministered, and begins to travel towards Judea.
c. AD 30
Journey Through Peraea
Jesus travels through the region east of the Jordan River, known as Peraea. This area was inhabited by Jewish people and bordered Judea.
c. AD 30
Encounter with Samaritans
On his journey, Jesus' messengers are rejected by a Samaritan village because he was heading towards Jerusalem, highlighting the deep animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
c. AD 30
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus sets his face toward Jerusalem, aware of the suffering and death that await him there. This marks a significant turning point in his ministry.
This passage describes Jesus welcoming and teaching the crowds who followed Him, mirroring the scene in Matthew 19:2 where multitudes followed Him and He ministered to them.
John 6:2This verse also highlights large crowds following Jesus, driven by the miracles He performed, which aligns with the healing ministry mentioned in Matthew 19:2.
Mark 10:1This parallel account in Mark indicates that as Jesus traveled, crowds gathered, and He taught them, reinforcing the idea that His ministry involved both teaching and meeting the needs of the people.
Isaiah 53:4This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant bearing our griefs and sorrows, which finds tangible expression in Jesus' consistent healing of the multitudes as described in Matthew 19:2.
calvinMatthew 19:1-2: "And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;"
- And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us; and we forbade him, because he followeth him, because he followeth not us. 39. And Jesus said, Forbid him not; for there is no man who, if he has performed a miracle in my name, can easily speak evil of me. 40. For he who is not…
bengelMatthew 19:2: "And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there."
Matthew 19:2 . Ἐκεῖ , there ) In many places a number of cures were performed at once by our Lord.
It's easy to skim over the simple statement "he healed them there," but notice the word "there." It highlights Jesus' consistent compassion; wherever crowds followed Him, whether for teaching or curiosity, He met their immediate physical needs, demonstrating that His divine purpose included caring for the whole person. This shows us that Jesus' ministry wasn't just about grand pronouncements, but about tangible acts of love and healing woven into the fabric of His journey.
Jesus is departing from Galilee and traveling toward Judea, passing through the region east of the Jordan River. As he moves, large crowds join him, drawn by his presence and seeking his healing touch, which he readily provides. This journey sets the stage for significant teachings, particularly regarding divorce, which are prompted by questions arising from these interactions.
Jesus is departing from Galilee and traveling toward Judea, passing through the region east of the Jordan River. As he moves, large crowds join him, drawn by his presence and seeking his healing touch, which he readily provides. This journey sets the stage for significant teachings, particularly regarding divorce, which are prompted by questions arising from these interactions.
"And large crowds followed him, and he healed them there." — It's easy to skim over the simple statement "he healed them there," but notice the word "there." It highlights Jesus' consistent compassion; wherever crowds followed Him, whether for teaching or curi…
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Last reviewed October 2026