And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
when.
Matthew 14:14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Mark 6:33,34 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him…
Romans 10:14,17 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? …
and he.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.
John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
the kingdom.
Luke 8:1,10 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, …
Matthew 21:31,43 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you…
Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
healed.
Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
Luke 5:31 And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.
Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
He welcomed them
Despite seeking solitude with His disciples, Jesus demonstrates compassion and openness. His welcoming nature is a model of divine hospitality and grace, showing that God's kingdom is accessible to all who seek it. This act of welcoming is consistent with Jesus' mission to reach out to the marginalized and weary, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30, where He invites all who are burdened to find rest in Him.
and spoke to them about the kingdom of God,
Jesus' primary message throughout His ministry was the kingdom of God, a central theme in the Gospels. This kingdom is not a political entity but a spiritual realm where God's will is done. Jesus' teachings often included parables that illustrated the nature and values of this kingdom, such as in Matthew 13. His message was revolutionary, challenging the religious and social norms of the time, and offering a new covenant relationship with God.
and He healed those who needed healing.
Jesus' healing ministry was a testament to His divine authority and compassion. Healing the sick was a sign of the kingdom's in-breaking power, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 35:5-6, which speak of the Messiah's healing works. These miracles authenticated His message and revealed His identity as the Son of God. Healing also symbolized spiritual restoration, pointing to the ultimate healing of sin and death through Jesus' death and resurrection.
• Luke writes, “But the crowds found out and followed Him”. Word about Jesus spreads quickly; people literally track Him down.
• Similar pursuit shows up in Mark 6:33, where people “ran together on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.” Their eagerness highlights genuine spiritual hunger.
• John 6:2 notes the motive: “A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick.” The miracles validate His identity, drawing multitudes.
• Application: Faithful hearts still chase after the Lord’s presence, trusting every report of His power and goodness.
• Instead of guarding His time, “He welcomed them”. The Savior never views people as interruptions.
• Compare Matthew 11:28—“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” His arms stay open.
• In Luke 15:2 critics grumble, “This man welcomes sinners.” What they condemn, Heaven celebrates.
• Practical takeaway: Followers of Christ model this same hospitality, seeing every seeker as someone for whom Christ died.
• Jesus stays on mission, teaching “about the kingdom of God”. Miracles matter, yet proclamation takes priority.
• Luke 4:43 records His own words: “I must preach the kingdom of God…for this purpose I was sent.”
• Acts 1:3 shows the risen Lord still “speaking about the kingdom of God.” The subject never changes; only the audience does.
• Key truths He likely emphasized:
– God’s reign breaking in through the Messiah (Isaiah 9:6-7).
– The call to repentance and faith (Mark 1:15).
– Citizenship marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
• Teaching is partnered with tangible compassion: “He healed those who needed healing”.
• Isaiah 35:5-6 foretold such messianic signs—“Then the eyes of the blind will be opened…lame will leap like a deer.”
• Luke 7:22 has Jesus point to these works as proof: “The blind see, the lame walk…good news is preached.”
• The order matters: first welcome, then word, then works. All three reveal God’s heart.
• While ultimate wholeness awaits resurrection glory (Revelation 21:4), present-day healings preview that future and confirm the gospel’s credibility.
Luke 9:11 captures the rhythm of Jesus’ earthly ministry—people seek Him; He gladly receives them; He proclaims God’s reign; He meets physical needs. The verse reassures believers that Christ remains approachable, gospel-centered, and compassionate, inviting us to pursue Him, proclaim Him, and extend His healing touch in our own circles.
(11) Healed them that had need of healing.--We cannot well alter the translation, but it may be noted that the word for "healing" is not formed from the same verb as "healed;" and is, as it were, a more technical word (used, with the one exception of Revelation 22:2, by St. Luke only) and equivalent to our "treatment."