What does Luke 6:17 mean?

Explanation

Luke 6:17 describes a moment in the ministry of Jesus as narrated by the author of the Gospel of Luke.

Here, it's conveyed that Jesus came down with a group of his disciples to a level place (sometimes referred to as a plain).

Accompanied by his disciples, a large crowd from various regions, Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal areas of Tyre and Sidon, gathered.

These people came with three distinct purposes: to hear Jesus, to be healed of their diseases, and, as noted in following verses, to be cleansed of evil spirits.

This passage sets the stage for what is known as the Sermon on the Plain, a teaching that parallels the Sermon on the Mount found in the Gospel of Matthew.

It emphasizes Jesus' role as a teacher and healer and illustrates the broad geographic and cultural diversity of his followers.

Historical Context

Around the time the Gospel of Luke was written, which scholars estimate to be in the late first century, the regions mentioned, Judea, Jerusalem, Tyre, and Sidon, were all part of the broader area influenced by Roman rule.

Judea and Jerusalem lay at the religious and cultural heart of Jewish life.

Meanwhile, Tyre and Sidon were significant trade cities on the Mediterranean coast, often associated with non-Jewish (Gentile) populations.

The mentioning of these cities indicates that Jesus' influence extended to both Jews and Gentiles.

The seeker's journey to see Jesus reflects the widespread searching for spiritual teachings, healing, and messianic hopes prevalent in that era.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this passage illustrates several key ideas:

• Inclusivity: The gathering of a diverse crowd signifies Jesus' mission to both Jews and Gentiles, reflecting the universal scope of his message.
• Authority: Jesus is depicted as having authority to teach and to heal, which are central to his ministry and the miracles attributed to him affirm his divinity in Christian theology.
• Service: Jesus' willingness to heal the sick demonstrates his role as a servant leader, a prime model in Christian ethics.
• Kingdom of God: The gathering for teaching and healing is often seen as a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus proclaimed was at hand.

Practical Applications

For contemporary readers, the Luke 6:17 verse conveys lessons that can be applied in daily living:

• Seek Wisdom: Just as the multitudes came to hear Jesus, this encourages individuals to seek spiritual wisdom and guidance.
• Embrace Diversity: The diverse crowd suggests that one should be open and inclusive in their community and spiritual life.
• Healing: The desire for wholeness, both spiritual and physical, remains a key part of religious practice.
• Service to Others: Following Christ's example to serve and minister to the needs of others is a practical application of one's faith.

Cross-References

• Matthew 4:24-25 , Describes how great multitudes followed Jesus from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan.
• Mark 3:7-8 , Mark also describes a crowd from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond Jordan; and those from Tyre and Sidon.
• Matthew 5:1-2 , The opening to the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus teaches another large crowd.
• Luke 6:20-49 , The continuation of the Sermon on the Plain where Jesus delivers significant teachings.

Language Study

The original language of the New Testament is Koine Greek. A few key words in this verse that stand out are:

• "Plain" (πεδινός, pedinos): This signifies a level or flat area, which contrasts with the mountain where Jesus is often described as going to pray and teach.
• "Healed" (θεραπεύω, therapeuō): This term means to cure, heal, or restore to health and indicates a return to a state of wellness or wholeness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The confluence of peoples from different regions to hear a wise teacher and seek healing has parallels in other religious and mythological traditions.

For instance, in Greek mythology, the healing god Asclepius attracted those seeking cures.

Similarly, various Hindu and Buddhist texts tell of great teachers drawing diverse crowds.

Jesus' acts of healing particularly resonate with the idea of divine figures providing succor and relief from physical ailments, a theme found in many cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

While a scientific perspective might be skeptical of the miraculous healings, modern science has acknowledged the importance of belief and faith in the healing process.

This is known as the placebo effect, where the patient's belief in the treatment can cause real changes in health.

The historical reality of large crowds gathering can be corroborated through texts and archaeology, showing such events to be plausible within the social context of the time.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians have provided various insights on Luke 6:17:

• Some commentaries focus on the contrast between Matthew's Sermon on the Mount and Luke's Sermon on the Plain, noting Luke's emphasis on Jesus' accessibility and connection with the people.
• Others reflect on the significance of the crowd's origins, proposing that Luke intentionally depicted a mix of Jews and Gentiles to reflect the early Christian mission to all nations.
• Healing in this context is often discussed not merely as physical curing but as a sign of the inbreaking of God's kingdom, where wholeness and restoration are central themes.
• The geographical spread of Jesus' reputation is noted as evidence of the compelling nature of his message and the miracles reported by Luke.