Matthew 14:13-14
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. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus intentionally sought a secluded spot, but the crowds' immediate, on-foot pursuit highlights their intense, perhaps desperate, desire for him, contrasting sharply with his deliberate withdrawal. This underscores that even his moments of seeking solitude were met by the persistent, unmet needs of the people.
Just before this, John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin and forerunner, had been brutally beheaded, news that deeply troubled Jesus and his disciples. In response to hearing this news, and likely also to find some quiet time with his recently returned disciples and to avoid Herod, Jesus set out by boat to a secluded, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for Jesus' teaching and healing, heard he had gone and followed him by land, arriving in large numbers.
Jesus often sought out quiet places, even when crowds were eager for him. Why did he withdraw, and what does this teach us about his mission?
Jesus’ decision to withdraw by boat to a desolate place wasn't about avoiding people entirely, but about strategic solitude. The scholars suggest several reasons:
This intentional withdrawal shows that ministry isn't always about being constantly accessible. Sometimes, stepping away is crucial for focused prayer, deep conversation, and personal preparation before engaging with needs.
Despite Jesus seeking solitude, the crowds found him. His response wasn't annoyance, but a deep, pastoral care. What drove this reaction?
The crowd’s relentless pursuit to find Jesus in a desolate place, traveling 'on foot' from surrounding towns, reveals their desperate need and eagerness. The scholars highlight that Jesus, upon seeing them, was 'moved with compassion.' This wasn't mere pity; it was a profound, empathetic engagement with their condition.
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.
splagchnizomai · Greek Verb
Used to describe a profound, visceral stirring of the emotions, typically attributed to Jesus. It denotes an active, outward-moving pity that leads directly to gracious action or relief for those suffering.
Jesus' deliberate withdrawal after hearing of John the Baptist's death highlights his awareness of danger and his need for reflection, even as divine purpose drew crowds to him for miraculous provision and teaching.
c. AD 27-28
Disciples' Ministry and Return
Jesus' disciples complete their first mission, reporting their miracles and teachings to Jesus. This period likely coincides with the growing fame of Jesus and also the imprisonment and eventual execution of John the Baptist.
c. AD 28— this verse
Death of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is executed by Herod Antipas. This event deeply affects Jesus and his disciples, prompting Jesus to withdraw to a secluded area.
c. AD 28
Jesus Withdraws to a Desert Place
Hearing of John's death, Jesus departs by boat to a desolate area east of the Sea of Galilee, seeking solitude with his disciples.
c. AD 28
Crowds Follow Jesus
Despite Jesus' attempt to find a private place, crowds hear of his whereabouts and follow him by land, arriving before him or at the same time.
This passage describes the same event but emphasizes Jesus' desire to withdraw with his disciples for rest after their ministry, showing another facet of Jesus' intentionality in seeking solitude.
John 6:1-3This account focuses on Jesus seeing the crowds and going up on the mountain, highlighting his awareness and deliberate action in moving to a desolate place, which sets the stage for the miracle.
Luke 9:10-11Luke's Gospel emphasizes Jesus receiving the disciples back and then withdrawing to a desolate place, connecting the disciples' return with Jesus' need for a secluded space, further contextualizing his departure.
Matthew 14:15-16This passage immediately follows, showing Jesus' compassion for the crowds despite their persistent pursuit, illustrating the core theme of care for people even when their actions disrupt personal plans.
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 sought a secluded spot, but the crowds' immediate, on-foot pursuit highlights their intense, perhaps desperate, desire for him, contrasting sharply with his deliberate withdrawal. This underscores that even his moments of seeking solitude were met by the persistent, unmet needs of the people.
Just before this, John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin and forerunner, had been brutally beheaded, news that deeply troubled Jesus and his disciples. In response to hearing this news, and likely also to find some quiet time with his recently returned disciples and to avoid Herod, Jesus set out by boat to a secluded, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for Jesus' teaching and healing, heard he had gone and followed him by land, arriving in large numbers.
Just before this, John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin and forerunner, had been brutally beheaded, news that deeply troubled Jesus and his disciples. In response to hearing this news, and likely also to find some quiet time with his recently returned disciples and to avoid Herod, Jesus set out by boat to a secluded, unpopulated area. However, the crowds, eager for Jesus' teaching and healing, heard he had gone and followed him by land, arriving in large numbers.
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therapeuō · Greek Verb
To make whole or restore to health. Biblically, this encompasses the restoration of the physical body, but also symbolically points toward the deeper restoration and shalom that Jesus brings to humanity through his messianic ministry.
arrōstos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to those suffering from physical illness or weakness. In the Gospel accounts, the sick are frequent recipients of Jesus' mercy, highlighting his authority over the effects of the Fall and demonstrating his identity as the Healer promised in prophecy.
c. AD 28
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus, moved with compassion for the crowds, miraculously feeds over five thousand men (plus women and children) with five loaves and two fish.
"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. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and…" — Jesus intentionally sought a secluded spot, but the crowds' immediate, on-foot pursuit highlights their intense, perhaps desperate, desire for him, contrasting sharply with his deliberate withdrawal.…
