Luke 13:22
And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
The journey from Galilee to Jerusalem typically took three days via the direct route through Samaria, or longer if traveling through the Jordan valley to avoid Samaritan territory. Jesus' extended journey, teaching in multiple locations, demonstrates His intentional ministry strategy—maximizing opportunity to proclaim the kingdom before His passion. Jerusalem represented both Israel's religious center and the place where prophets died (Luke 13:33-34). Jesus' resolute journey toward Jerusalem models obedient submission to the Father's will despite knowing the cost.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' prioritization of teaching above other activities inform contemporary ministry priorities?
- What does Jesus' pattern of ministering in both cities and villages teach about the value God places on all people regardless of location or status?
- How does Jesus' deliberate journey toward Jerusalem despite knowing He would suffer and die there model faithful obedience for believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. This transitional verse marks Jesus' purposeful travel toward His destiny. The phrase "went through" (διεπορεύετο, dieporeueto) uses an imperfect verb indicating continuous action—He was traveling through, not rushing past. The coupling of "cities and villages" (κατὰ πόλεις καὶ κώμας, kata poleis kai kōmas) emphasizes comprehensive ministry—no place too large or too small for His attention.
The participle "teaching" (διδάσκων, didaskōn) describes His primary activity. Jesus' ministry centered on proclamation and instruction, not merely miracles. The gospel advances through teaching that transforms minds, not merely demonstrations that amaze crowds. Mark 1:38 records Jesus saying, "Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth." His priority was the word.
The phrase "journeying toward Jerusalem" (πορείαν ποιούμενος εἰς Ἱερουσαλήμ, poreian poioumenos eis Hierousalēm) reveals deliberate progression toward crucifixion. Luke emphasizes this journey motif (9:51, "he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem"). Jesus walks knowingly toward suffering and death, fulfilling prophetic necessity (Luke 9:22, 18:31-33). Every teaching, healing, and confrontation occurs within this larger narrative arc—the Son of Man advancing toward His redemptive mission.