Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus intentionally withdraws to a remote, desolate place, not to avoid the crowds, but specifically to be alone with his disciples after they've returned from their mission. The surprising part is that despite his deliberate attempt at a quiet retreat, the crowds immediately catch wind of his location and follow him by land.
Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just before this, Jesus' disciples had returned from their mission, and news had reached the ears of King Herod about Jesus' powerful ministry. Jesus, hearing this and likely wanting to give his weary disciples a moment of rest and private reflection, decided to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat to a quiet, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for more teaching and healing, heard where he was going and followed him by land, arriving at the desolate spot before him.
Why would Jesus, when he knew people needed him, intentionally go to a deserted place?
Jesus's decision to withdraw to a desolate place wasn't about avoiding people, but about strategic timing and protection.
A Necessary Retreat
When Jesus heard about John the Baptist's execution, it was deeply distressing news. The commentaries suggest he was also seeking to protect himself and his disciples from Herod, who had a history of violence. This wasn't fear, but wisdom—securing his life until his appointed time.
Preparing for Ministry
Beyond personal safety, this retreat was a chance for Jesus to find solitude with his disciples. After their return from a demanding mission, they needed time to process, rest, and prepare for what was next. It was a moment to regroup before the next major event unfolded.
Even when Jesus tried to get away, the crowds found him. What does this say about their hunger?
The persistent following of the crowds highlights their desperate need and deep hunger for Jesus.
Driven by Need
The people heard Jesus was going to a remote area and followed him 'on foot from the towns.' They traveled by land while Jesus traveled by boat, demonstrating a remarkable eagerness to reach him. This wasn't casual curiosity; they were driven by a profound need for healing, teaching, and spiritual fulfillment.
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A Parable of Spiritual Hunger
This relentless pursuit serves as a powerful picture of spiritual hunger. Like sheep without a shepherd, they were lost and seeking guidance. Their actions show that even when Jesus sought solitude, his mission was to meet the needs of the people.
Despite his personal distress and desire for rest, Jesus's reaction to the crowd was immediate compassion.
Jesus's response to the approaching multitude reveals the depth of his merciful heart, even amidst his own burdens.
Empathy Born of Experience
When Jesus saw the large crowd, he was 'moved with compassion.' This compassion wasn't just a fleeting emotion; it was a deep, gut-level empathy. The commentaries note that this was partly because they were like sheep without a shepherd – lost and in need of guidance and care.
Ministry Over Self
Even though Jesus had sought solitude for himself and his disciples, his compassion immediately shifted his focus back to ministry. He began to teach them and heal the sick. This shows his unwavering commitment to God's mission, prioritizing the needs of others above his own desire for rest or personal processing.
Understand the original words
erēmos · Greek Adjective/Noun
A place remote from civilization or human habitation. In a biblical context, such places are frequently associated with periods of solitude, prayer, and testing, often serving as settings for divine encounters away from the distractions of the world.
ochlos · Greek Noun
A term indicating large groups of people who gathered around Jesus during his ministry. These individuals were often representative of the lost sheep of Israel, representing a variety of needs, expectations, and levels of understanding regarding the Kingdom of God.
Jesus' withdrawal wasn't about hiding but seeking a moment of respite after difficult news and the return of his disciples. Yet, his compassion for the crowds who followed him showed his dedication to his mission, leading directly to the iconic feeding of the five thousand.
c. AD 27-30
John the Baptist's Ministry and Imprisonment
John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized many, including Jesus. He later imprisoned and eventually beheaded by Herod Antipas.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Early Ministry and Popularity Grows
Jesus begins his public ministry, teaching, healing, and performing miracles, gaining a large following across Galilee and surrounding regions.
c. AD 30
Disciples Return from Mission
Jesus' twelve apostles return from a mission where they preached, healed, and cast out demons, likely sharing exciting reports with Jesus.
c. AD 30
Herod Antipas Executes John the Baptist
Herod orders the execution of John the Baptist, a significant event that likely caused distress among Jesus' followers and prompted Jesus to seek a quieter place.
c. AD 30— this verse
Jesus Withdraws to a Solitary Place
Upon hearing of John's death, Jesus departs by boat to a desolate area east of the Sea of Galilee, seeking a time of quiet reflection with his disciples.
c. AD 30
Crowds Follow Jesus by Land
Despite Jesus' attempt to withdraw, large crowds learn of his location and follow him on foot from surrounding towns, arriving before him.
c. AD 30
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus, moved with compassion for the crowds, miraculously feeds over five thousand men with only five loaves and two fish, a pivotal event in his ministry.
This passage provides a parallel account of the feeding of the five thousand, offering a different perspective and additional details to the event that immediately follows Jesus' withdrawal in Matthew 14:13.
Mark 6:30-44Similar to John, Mark also details the feeding of the five thousand, and crucially, mentions Jesus' desire to withdraw with his disciples for rest after their return from ministry, highlighting the disciples' fatigue as a reason for the retreat.
Luke 9:10-17Luke's account of the feeding of the five thousand includes Jesus speaking to his disciples about the kingdom of God and healing those in need, giving context to the spiritual nourishment Jesus provided alongside the physical sustenance.
Matthew 12:15This verse describes Jesus withdrawing from a crowd, similar to Matthew 14:13, showing a pattern in Jesus' ministry where he sought times of solitude even as large crowds followed him.
1 Kings 19:1-4This passage shows Elijah, after a significant prophetic victory, feeling threatened and fleeing to a desolate place. It highlights a moment of vulnerability and divine guidance in seeking refuge, a theme echoed in Jesus' withdrawal.
barnesMatthew 14:13: "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
A full narrative of the feeding the five thousand is given in each of the other evangelists: in Mark 6:32-44 ; in Luke 9:10-17 ; in John 6:1-14 . Matthew 14:13 And when Jesus heard of it, he departed - He went to a place of safety. He never threw himself unnecessarily into danger. It was proper that he should secure hi…
vincentMatthew 14:13: "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
On foot (πεζῇ)Rev., by land in margin, which is better; for the contrast is between Jesus' journey by ship and that of the multitude by land.
Jesus intentionally withdraws to a remote, desolate place, not to avoid the crowds, but specifically to be alone with his disciples after they've returned from their mission. The surprising part is that despite his deliberate attempt at a quiet retreat, the crowds immediately catch wind of his location and follow him by land.
Just before this, Jesus' disciples had returned from their mission, and news had reached the ears of King Herod about Jesus' powerful ministry. Jesus, hearing this and likely wanting to give his weary disciples a moment of rest and private reflection, decided to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat to a quiet, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for more teaching and healing, heard where he was going and followed him by land, arriving at the desolate spot before him.
Just before this, Jesus' disciples had returned from their mission, and news had reached the ears of King Herod about Jesus' powerful ministry. Jesus, hearing this and likely wanting to give his weary disciples a moment of rest and private reflection, decided to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat to a quiet, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for more teaching and healing, heard where he was going and followed him by land, arriving at the desolate spot before him.
"Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns." — Jesus intentionally withdraws to a remote, desolate place, not to avoid the crowds, but specifically to be alone with his disciples after they've returned from their mission. The surprising part is t…
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Last reviewed October 2026