LUKE 6:17–19
JESUS MINISTERS TO A GREAT MULTITUDE
Text – Luke 6:17–19
17 And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground. A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon
18 came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured.
19 Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him because power came forth from him and healed them all.
Historical and Jewish Context
After appointing the Twelve on the mountain, Jesus descends to a “level place” to minister to a vast crowd, symbolizing accessibility and universal outreach. Tyre and Sidon were Gentile regions, indicating that Jesus’ ministry was already drawing people beyond the borders of Israel. The healing of diseases and exorcisms fulfilled messianic expectations from Isaiah and the Psalms, where God’s servant brings freedom and restoration. The desire to touch Him reflects the belief in the power of a holy person’s physical presence, common in Jewish tradition.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus’ power to heal all who come to Him reflects His divine compassion and the breaking in of God’s Kingdom (CCC 1503–1505). His descent from the mountain to the people symbolizes the Incarnation—God coming down to meet humanity (CCC 456–460). The presence of people from Gentile territories foreshadows the universal mission of the Church (CCC 849). The power flowing from Christ prefigures the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Anointing of the Sick, where grace flows from His Body to heal and restore the faithful.
Parallels in Scripture
Isaiah 61:1 – The anointed one brings healing and liberty
Psalm 103:3 – “He heals all your diseases”
Mark 3:7–12 – Similar crowd seeking healing and deliverance
Luke 8:43–48 – Woman healed by touching Jesus’ cloak
Acts 5:15–16 – People healed through Peter’s shadow
Key Terms
Level Ground – Symbolic of accessibility and equality before God
Tyre and Sidon – Gentile regions, indicating Jesus’ wider appeal
Unclean Spirits – Spiritual oppression, healed by Christ’s authority
Power Came Forth – Divine energy radiating from Jesus’ person
Touch – Sign of faith and point of contact with divine grace
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage appears during Ordinary Time and is a prelude to the Sermon on the Plain (Luke’s version of the Beatitudes). It reflects the inclusivity of Jesus’ mission and prepares the faithful to receive His teaching with open hearts, recognizing that physical and spiritual healing are part of His saving work.
Conclusion
Jesus, full of divine power, meets the crowd with compassion. People come not only to hear Him but to be healed and liberated. This moment anticipates the Church’s mission to preach, heal, and include all peoples in the saving grace of Christ.
Reflection
Do I approach Jesus with faith, believing in His power to heal me?
Am I helping others to encounter Christ, especially those who feel far from Him?
Do I see the Church as a place where healing and teaching continue in Christ’s name?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You came down to meet the crowds and healed all who sought You. Come into my life and heal me in body, mind, and spirit. Make me an instrument of Your mercy, bringing others to touch Your love. Amen.