Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is Jesus' active choice to withdraw, not out of fear, but as a strategic move to continue His healing and teaching ministry without being forced into a confrontation before His "hour" had come. He knew the danger, but rather than escalate, He moved, and the crowds, seeking His touch, followed Him, showing that His mission was unstoppable even in the face of opposition.
Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all
English Standard Version (ESV)
Aware of a plot against him, Jesus tactfully withdraws from the area. Despite this attempt at quiet, crowds still seek him out, and he compassionately heals everyone who comes to him. This retreat and continued healing ministry are part of his broader strategy to avoid unnecessary provocation of his enemies before his appointed time.
When opposition mounts, does Jesus hide or fight? Discover the strategic wisdom behind His movements.
When Jesus perceived the growing hostility and plotted intentions of His opponents, He didn't confront them head-on. Instead, He "withdrew." This wasn't an act of cowardice, but of divine prudence. His mission wasn't to provoke unnecessary conflict before His appointed time, but to fulfill God's plan.
Even in retreat, Jesus' presence draws crowds. What does this say about His heart and His healing power?
Jesus' withdrawal didn't stop people from seeking Him out. In fact, "great multitudes followed him." Despite the danger and the need to move, Jesus' compassion overflowed, and He "healed them all." This highlights the irresistible nature of His mercy and the comprehensive scope of His healing ministry.
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Understand the original words
therapeuō · Greek Verb
Miraculous intervention by divine power to cure physical infirmity or disease. It demonstrates the presence of the Kingdom of God and the compassion of the Messiah.
Jesus's decision to withdraw wasn't a retreat from his mission but a strategic move to avoid premature conflict with his enemies, demonstrating prudence while continuing to fulfill his purpose of healing and revealing God's kingdom.
c. AD 27-28
Jesus begins public ministry
Following his baptism and temptation, Jesus commences his public ministry in Galilee, proclaiming the kingdom of God and performing miracles.
c. AD 28
Jesus issues specific instructions to disciples
Jesus instructs his twelve disciples on how to preach and heal, including the directive to withdraw from cities that reject them.
c. AD 28— this verse
Pharisees plot against Jesus
Religious leaders, particularly the Pharisees, begin to actively oppose Jesus, questioning his authority and methods, and eventually plotting against his life.
c. AD 28
Jesus withdraws and heals multitudes
Jesus intentionally withdraws from a hostile environment, only to be followed by large crowds to whom he continues to minister healing.
c. AD 28
Jesus retreats to the sea
To manage the crowds and avoid further confrontation, Jesus boards a boat on the Sea of Galilee, continuing his ministry from the water's edge.
c. AD 28
Messianic prophecy applied to Jesus
Jesus's actions and ministry, including his quiet power and healing, are understood by some to be fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
This passage mirrors Jesus' instruction to His disciples to flee from city to city when persecuted, highlighting His consistent strategy of avoiding unnecessary confrontation while continuing His ministry.
Mark 3:7-12This parallel account in Mark emphasizes the overwhelming crowds and Jesus' deliberate withdrawal to a boat to teach, providing further detail on the scene described here and Jesus' desire for a more controlled environment.
Isaiah 42:1-4This prophecy, quoted later in Matthew 12:18-21, describes the gentle, non-violent, and inclusive nature of the Servant of the Lord, which is perfectly reflected in Jesus withdrawing from conflict to continue healing the multitudes.
John 6:15This passage shows Jesus withdrawing again after feeding the 5,000, demonstrating His consistent practice of avoiding the political fervor that sought to make Him a king by force, even when it meant leaving a large crowd.
Matthew 19:2This verse also describes great multitudes following Jesus, with Him healing them all, reinforcing the theme of His persistent healing ministry even as He navigates opposition and seeks to avoid premature conflict.
barnesMatthew 12:15: "But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;"
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself ... - He knew of the plot which they had formed against his life; but his hour was not yet come, and he therefore sought security. By remaining, his presence would only have provoked them further and endangered his own life. He acted, therefore, the part of prudence and withdrew. Compare the notes at Matthew 10:23. Mark…
pulpitMatthew 12:15: "But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;"
Verses 15-21. - Jesus withdraws, and although many follow him and are healed by him, he charges them not to make him known, thus fulfilling the prophecy of the Ideal Israelite, who is the object of God's love and delight, and will receive his Spirit and declare the revelation of him to the Gentiles; he will not strive or exalt himself, or use harshness towards t…
What's striking here is Jesus' active choice to withdraw, not out of fear, but as a strategic move to continue His healing and teaching ministry without being forced into a confrontation before His "hour" had come. He knew the danger, but rather than escalate, He moved, and the crowds, seeking His touch, followed Him, showing that His mission was unstoppable even in the face of opposition.
Aware of a plot against him, Jesus tactfully withdraws from the area. Despite this attempt at quiet, crowds still seek him out, and he compassionately heals everyone who comes to him. This retreat and continued healing ministry are part of his broader strategy to avoid unnecessary provocation of his enemies before his appointed time.
Aware of a plot against him, Jesus tactfully withdraws from the area. Despite this attempt at quiet, crowds still seek him out, and he compassionately heals everyone who comes to him. This retreat and continued healing ministry are part of his broader strategy to avoid unnecessary provocation of his enemies before his appointed time.
"Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all" — What's striking here is Jesus' active choice to withdraw, not out of fear, but as a strategic move to continue His healing and teaching ministry without being forced into a confrontation before His "…
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Last reviewed October 2026