New Testament
Luke 9:12
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As the day was winding down, the 12 came to him and said, "Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and farms to find food and a place to stay. We're out here in the middle of nowhere."
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And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.
What Luke 9:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the disciples notice that the day is coming to an end and realize that the large crowd following Jesus is in need of food and shelter. They approach Jesus with a practical concern, suggesting that he send the people away to find provisions in nearby towns and farms. The disciples feel the urgency of the situation, as they are in a remote area with no resources available. This moment highlights the disciples' awareness of the needs of the people and their desire to ensure that everyone is taken care of. It also sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate his compassion and ability to provide for the needs of the crowd, which is a recurring theme in his ministry. The disciples' suggestion reflects a common human response to overwhelming situations, where the focus is on immediate needs rather than the potential for miraculous solutions. This interaction emphasizes the importance of recognizing both physical and spiritual needs in our communities.
How to apply Luke 9:12 to your life
When faced with overwhelming situations, we should remember to bring our concerns to Jesus. Like the disciples, we can acknowledge the needs around us and trust that God can provide solutions, even when circumstances seem dire. Our faith can inspire action.
Curated for this public verse page. Luke Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Feeding the Five Thousand (Luke 9:10–17)
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
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Keep studying Luke 9:12
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Luke
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 60-62
- Genre
- Gospel and history
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Luke 9:12 teach about recognizing needs?
Luke 9:12 illustrates the importance of being aware of the needs of others. The disciples noticed that the crowd was hungry and needed shelter, prompting them to approach Jesus with their concerns. This teaches us to be attentive to the needs of those around us and to take action when we see others in distress.
How does Luke 9:12 relate to Jesus' compassion?
In Luke 9:12, the disciples' request for Jesus to send the crowd away highlights their concern for the people's well-being. This sets the stage for Jesus to demonstrate his compassion by providing for the crowd's needs, which ultimately leads to the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000. It shows that Jesus cares deeply for both physical and spiritual needs.
What can we learn from the disciples' response in Luke 9:12?
The disciples' response in Luke 9:12 reflects a common human tendency to focus on immediate, practical concerns when faced with overwhelming situations. It teaches us that while it's important to recognize and address urgent needs, we should also remain open to the possibility of miraculous solutions that God can provide.
How does Luke 9:12 encourage faith in difficult situations?
Luke 9:12 encourages us to bring our concerns to Jesus, especially in difficult situations. The disciples acknowledged the crowd's needs and turned to Jesus for guidance. This reminds us that even when circumstances seem dire, we can trust that God has the power to provide and that our faith can inspire action in challenging times.
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