What does Luke 4:43 mean?

And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent. Luke 4:43

Explanation

Luke 4:43 records Jesus stating the necessity of His mission to preach the kingdom of God in other cities. The verse underlines Jesus’ sense of purpose and dedication to His ministry. When Jesus speaks of the “kingdom of God,” He is referring to the reign and rule of God over all creation, particularly expressed through His own teachings, healings, and acts, which embodied God’s redemptive work among humanity. In saying “for therefore am I sent,” Jesus is asserting His divine commissioning. He understood His role as the messenger and embodiment of God’s kingdom and was indicating that His mission was not limited to one place but was expansive and inclusive of other regions and populations.

Historical Context

This statement from Jesus occurs early in His public ministry. At this time, He had been traveling through Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and gaining popularity. The setting is the ancient Near East, specifically within the context of 1st-century Judea, a region controlled by the Roman Empire. The cultural and historical backdrop is one of expectation among the Jewish people for a Messiah, a longing for liberation from Roman rule, and a hope for the restoration of Israel’s glory. Into this milieu, Jesus begins to articulate a different kind of kingdom – one that is spiritual and available to all, beyond the nationalistic and militant expectations of some of His contemporaries.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates several important concepts:

• Messianic Mission: Jesus identifies Himself as the anointed one sent by God, which aligns with Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures.
• Kingdom Theology: Jesus teaches about the kingdom of God, which contrasts with earthly kingdoms. It’s a central theme of His ministry, emphasizing God’s sovereign rule and restorative justice.
• Divine Commission: Jesus’ assertion of being sent reflects a divine mandate, acknowledging that His authority and mission are derived from God the Father.

Different theological traditions may emphasize various aspects of this verse. For instance, evangelical Christians may focus on the imperative of mission and evangelism. In contrast, liberation theologians may highlight Jesus’ role in challenging social structures and proclaiming a message of justice and peace.

Practical Applications

In the contemporary context, this verse can inspire multiple applications:

• Evangelism: Followers of Jesus might see this as a call to share their faith with others, not just in their immediate communities but also further afield.
• Purposeful Living: Individuals may reflect on their life purpose and sense of calling, inspired by Jesus’ clarity of mission.
• Inclusivity: The verse hints at the breaking down of barriers, prompting believers to reach out beyond their cultural and social boundaries.

Cross-References

• Mark 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.”
• Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
• 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;”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for “must” is δεῖ (dei), indicating a necessity or an obligation, speaking to Jesus’ sense of imperative. The phrase “preach the kingdom of God” (κηρύσσειν τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ) utilizes the word βασιλείαν (basileian), a term for kingdom, sovereignty, or royal power, and it is often used to refer to the rule of God or heaven. The word for “sent” is ἀποστέλλω (apostellō), meaning to send out, which is the root from which we get the word “apostle,” referring to one who is sent with authority and purpose.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Jesus’ proclamatory mission with other ancient myths and religions, we can recognize a recurring theme of divine messengers or prophets who are charged with delivering important teachings or warnings to humanity. For instance, prophets in the Hebrew Bible often share a message from God calling people to faithfulness and repentance. In some Greek myths, figures like the oracle at Delphi played a role in communicating divine guidance. However, Jesus’ message of the kingdom of God stands unique in its personal embodiment of the message in Himself, and its expansive inclusive for all people, not just a chosen few or a particular nation.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly relate to scientific discourse, contemporary interpretations might consider the sociological and psychological dimensions of Jesus’ mission and how the understanding of collective behavior and cognition relates to religious movements. The spreading of Jesus’ teachings can be analyzed through the lens of social and cultural diffusion theories in anthropology and sociology.

Commentaries

Commentators from different backgrounds offer insights on Luke 4:43:

• Classical commentaries, like those from Matthew Henry, emphasize Jesus’ role in fulfilling Scripture and His unwavering obedience to the divine will.
• Modern evangelical commentaries, such as those by N.T. Wright, might focus on the verse as an example of the priority Jesus placed on preaching the Gospel and how it shapes the mission of the church in the world today.
• Historical-critical scholars, like Raymond E. Brown, may discuss the verse in light of its place within the Lukan narrative and the role it plays in establishing the itinerant nature of Jesus’ ministry.