Matthew 8:18
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Though it might seem like Jesus simply wanted to escape the crowd, he actually gave the command to cross the sea because of the crowd, specifically their worldly motives. He wasn't looking for rest from healing, but rather distance from those who were only seeking physical benefits and not spiritual truth.
Fresh off healing Peter's mother-in-law and casting out demons, Jesus finds himself surrounded by yet another pressing crowd. Seeking a moment of rest and perhaps to escape the clamor for physical healing, he instructs his disciples to head across the Sea of Galilee. This decision sets the stage for a disciple's impulsive vow and Jesus's revealing response about the true cost of following him.
We often think that huge crowds following Jesus must mean spiritual revival. But what if Jesus himself saw the crowds as a reason to leave?
When Jesus saw the crowds pressing in, he didn't see an opportunity for more ministry in that moment. Instead, he commanded his disciples to 'go over to the other side.' This wasn't an avoidance of people, but a strategic move.
Reasons for Retreat:
A scribe eagerly offers to follow Jesus anywhere, but Jesus' response reveals a deep misunderstanding of what true discipleship entails.
In the moments after Jesus commanded his disciples to set sail, a scribe approached with a bold declaration: 'Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.' This sounds like incredible commitment, right? But Jesus' answer cuts to the heart of the scribe's motivation.
Motives Matter:
Jesus' decision to cross the sea wasn't just about physical rest; it was a strategic move to manage the growing crowds, prevent premature political claims, and perhaps test the commitment of his followers.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Galilean Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching in synagogues, healing the sick, and gathering disciples.
c. AD 28-30
Healing in Capernaum
Jesus performs numerous miracles in and around Capernaum, including healing Peter's mother-in-law and casting out demons, drawing large crowds.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus Departs Capernaum
Overwhelmed by crowds seeking him, Jesus decides to cross the Sea of Galilee to find a place of rest and to avoid potential political entanglements.
c. AD 28-30
The Storm on the Sea of Galilee
Jesus and his disciples encounter a violent storm while crossing the sea, a pivotal moment testing the disciples' faith.
c. AD 28-30
This passage describes the same event, highlighting Jesus' desire for rest, which contrasts with the disciples' focus on reaching the other side, showing a divine-human tension.
Luke 8:22Luke's parallel account emphasizes Jesus initiating the journey 'one day,' offering a slightly different perspective on how the decision to cross the lake came about.
Matthew 9:9Immediately following this event, Jesus calls Matthew while he is at the tax collector's booth, illustrating Jesus' persistent mission to reach different people even after seeking respite.
John 6:15After crossing the lake, Jesus feeds the 5,000, showing how seeking a moment of rest can still lead to profound ministry and revelation of his power.
Isaiah 40:11This prophetic passage speaks of the Good Shepherd gently leading his flock, which resonates with Jesus' actions of caring for the crowds while also seeking times of quiet and instruction.
bensonMatthew 8:18: "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side."
Matthew 8:18-20 . Now when Jesus saw great multitudes — When Jesus did the things before mentioned he was in Capernaum, Matthew 8:5 , but the multitude pressing him, he gave orders to pass over the sea of Galilee, otherwise called the sea of Tiberias, that both himself and the people might have a little rest. And a certain scribe came — Namely, as they went in the way from the house…
clarkeMatthew 8:18: "Now when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side."
Unto the other side - Viz. of the lake of Genesareth, whence he proceeded to the country of the Gergesenes, Matthew 8:28 .
Though it might seem like Jesus simply wanted to escape the crowd, he actually gave the command to cross the sea because of the crowd, specifically their worldly motives. He wasn't looking for rest from healing, but rather distance from those who were only seeking physical benefits and not spiritual truth.
Fresh off healing Peter's mother-in-law and casting out demons, Jesus finds himself surrounded by yet another pressing crowd. Seeking a moment of rest and perhaps to escape the clamor for physical healing, he instructs his disciples to head across the Sea of Galilee. This decision sets the stage for a disciple's impulsive vow and Jesus's revealing response about the true cost of following him.
Fresh off healing Peter's mother-in-law and casting out demons, Jesus finds himself surrounded by yet another pressing crowd. Seeking a moment of rest and perhaps to escape the clamor for physical healing, he instructs his disciples to head across the Sea of Galilee. This decision sets the stage for a disciple's impulsive vow and Jesus's revealing response about the true cost of following him.
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Arrival in the Gergesene Territory
After calming the storm, Jesus and his disciples land on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and encounter a demon-possessed man.
"Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side." — Though it might seem like Jesus simply wanted to escape the crowd, he actually gave the command to cross the sea because of the crowd, specifically their worldly motives. He wasn't looking for rest…
