He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus withdraws to the place where John the Baptist first ministered, a location deeply connected to His own baptism and early ministry. This wasn't just a physical retreat, but a return to the wellspring of His public calling, where He would find receptive hearts and quiet reflection before His final journey to Jerusalem.
He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following a confrontation where the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus' divine works and sought to stone Him, Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem. He crossed the Jordan River to a region where John the Baptist had previously preached and baptized, seeking a period of peace and continuing His ministry away from direct conflict. This location held significant memories for Jesus, marking the beginning of His public life and the calling of His first disciples, and it became a place where many more came to believe in Him.
When facing intense opposition and threats, Jesus didn't retaliate. Instead, He moved. Discover the wisdom behind His strategic retreat.
After the intense confrontation in Jerusalem, where His life was threatened (John 10:31, 39), Jesus didn't engage in further argument or physical defense. He chose to withdraw.
Moving to Perea
He went "away again across the Jordan" to the region of Perea. This area was where John the Baptist had begun his ministry. It was a strategic move for several reasons:
Jesus shows us that sometimes, the wisest course of action is not to press forward into conflict but to strategically withdraw to a place of safety and renewed purpose.
Why did Jesus return to the very place where John the Baptist first pointed to Him? Uncover the lasting impact of a faithful witness.
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Jesus' decision to remain in the region where John the Baptist began his ministry wasn't accidental. It was a place rich with spiritual significance and the foundational witness to Jesus' identity.
A Place of Beginnings
This was where John, filled with the Spirit, first declared Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1:29-34). It was the starting point for many disciples who first followed Jesus, like Andrew and Peter (John 1:40-42).
Bearing Fruit
When Jesus returned, "many came to him." They remembered John's powerful words: "John indeed did no miracle; but all that John spoke about this man was true" (John 10:41). Even without performing miracles like Jesus, John's faithful testimony had laid the groundwork for belief.
Jesus' presence in this place shows that faithfulness, even in seemingly small beginnings, has enduring power. It reminds us that our own faithful words and actions can prepare the way for others to come to Christ, long after we have spoken them.
Understand the original words
baptizō · Greek Verb
A ritual practice of washing with water to signify repentance, cleansing from sin, and identification with God’s covenant purposes. It served as the primary mission of John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Messiah.
Jesus' withdrawal to Perea wasn't just a physical retreat from danger, but a strategic move to a region echoing with the beginnings of His ministry and John the Baptist's preparatory work, a place where new believers could respond to His message away from the immediate hostility of Jerusalem.
c. AD 27
John the Baptist Begins Ministry
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching repentance and baptizing people near the Jordan River.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus Baptized by John
Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of His public ministry.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Ministry in Judea and Galilee
Jesus travels and teaches, performing miracles throughout Judea and Galilee, attracting large crowds and facing increasing opposition from religious leaders.
c. AD 30
Tension in Jerusalem
During a visit to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, Jesus' teachings and actions provoke intense hostility from Jewish leaders, who seek to arrest Him.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Withdraws to Perea
Following attempts to seize Him in Jerusalem, Jesus withdraws across the Jordan River to the region of Perea, to a place where John the Baptist had previously baptized.
c. AD 30
Ministry in Perea
While in Perea, Jesus continues to teach and many people come to Him, believing in Him based on John the Baptist's earlier testimony and Jesus' own works.
c. AD 30
Journey Towards Jerusalem
Jesus later moves from Perea towards Jerusalem, a journey that includes His raising of Lazarus and His final arrival in the city for Passover.
This passage identifies the initial location of John's baptismal ministry, the same place Jesus retreats to, highlighting a significant connection to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and John's witness to Him.
Matthew 19:1This verse mentions Jesus going to the 'region of Judea beyond the Jordan,' mirroring the location Jesus seeks in John 10:40, indicating a deliberate movement away from hostility in Judea.
John 11:54This verse notes Jesus withdrawing to the region near the wilderness, then to Ephraim, which is consistent with the pattern of Jesus retreating to less populated or more hospitable areas when facing opposition.
John 3:23This passage mentions John baptizing at Aenon near Salim, another location where John ministered, showing that Jesus is returning to a region associated with John's foundational ministry.
barnesJohn 10:40: "And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode."
Where John at first baptized - At Bethabara, or Bethany, John 1:28 .
calvinJohn 10:37-42: "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not."
- If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38. But if I do, [301] though you believe not me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39. Therefore they sought again to seize him, but he escaped [302] out of their hands. 40. And again he went away beyond Jordan, to the place where John first baptized, and abode there. 41. And many came to him, and said, John indeed d…
Jesus withdraws to the place where John the Baptist first ministered, a location deeply connected to His own baptism and early ministry. This wasn't just a physical retreat, but a return to the wellspring of His public calling, where He would find receptive hearts and quiet reflection before His final journey to Jerusalem.
Following a confrontation where the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus' divine works and sought to stone Him, Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem. He crossed the Jordan River to a region where John the Baptist had previously preached and baptized, seeking a period of peace and continuing His ministry away from direct conflict. This location held significant memories for Jesus, marking the beginning of His public life and the calling of His first disciples, and it became a place where many more came to believe in Him.
Following a confrontation where the Jewish leaders rejected Jesus' divine works and sought to stone Him, Jesus withdrew from Jerusalem. He crossed the Jordan River to a region where John the Baptist had previously preached and baptized, seeking a period of peace and continuing His ministry away from direct conflict. This location held significant memories for Jesus, marking the beginning of His public life and the calling of His first disciples, and it became a place where many more came to believe in Him.
"He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained." — Jesus withdraws to the place where John the Baptist first ministered, a location deeply connected to His own baptism and early ministry. This wasn't just a physical retreat, but a return to the wells…
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Last reviewed October 2026