Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Though Jesus had just performed powerful miracles, he intentionally pulls away from the clamoring crowds. This isn't just about finding personal rest; it's a deliberate choice to avoid the shallow admiration of the masses who were drawn more by spectacle than by the substance of his message.
Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus, having just healed Peter's mother-in-law and cast out demons and healed the sick in Capernaum, finds himself surrounded by yet another large crowd. Wanting to escape the throng and find some rest, he decides to move to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, instructing his disciples to prepare for the journey. This moment sets the stage for a scribe to approach Jesus with a declaration of loyalty, prompting Jesus to reveal the challenging reality of following him.
Ever feel overwhelmed by demands and just want to escape? Jesus did too, but His reasons were far deeper than simple exhaustion.
When Jesus saw the crowds pressing in, His first instinct wasn't to preach longer or perform more miracles on the spot. Instead, He gave a command to 'go over to the other side.' This wasn't just about getting some rest, though He was certainly human and likely tired.
A scribe offered to follow Jesus, but Jesus' response was a startling reality check. What does it truly mean to follow Him?
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Immediately after Jesus commands His disciples to cross the lake, a scribe approaches with a seemingly enthusiastic pledge: 'Master, I will follow you wherever you go.' This sounds noble, but Jesus' reply reveals a profound truth about the cost of discipleship.
Jesus' decision to cross the sea was a deliberate move to escape the immediate pressure of a crowd drawn more by His miracles than by His message, seeking a space for rest and discerning the true motives of those who claimed to follow Him.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Begins Public Ministry
Jesus commences his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering followers. This period is marked by increasing crowds seeking his attention.
Early 1st century AD
Healing Ministry in Capernaum
Jesus performs numerous miracles in and around Capernaum, including healing Peter's mother-in-law and casting out demons. These events draw large crowds.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Crowds Gather Around Jesus
Large multitudes press in on Jesus, seeking healing and miracles, often with worldly or superficial motives rather than a deep desire for spiritual truth.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus Departs to the Other Side
To find rest and to escape the overwhelming crowds, Jesus commands his disciples to take him across the Sea of Galilee.
Early 1st century AD
Encounter with a Scribe
While on the way to the boat, a scribe expresses a desire to follow Jesus, but Jesus warns him about the hardships of discipleship.
Early 1st century AD
The Storm on the Sea
During the crossing, a fierce storm arises, testing the faith of the disciples as Jesus sleeps.
Early 1st century AD
Miracle in the Land of the Gergesenes
Upon arrival, Jesus encounters a demon-possessed man, delivering him and subsequently encountering the local populace who ask him to leave.
This passage parallels Jesus' response to a potential disciple who wanted to follow Him, highlighting Jesus' own lack of worldly possessions and the demanding nature of discipleship.
Mark 1:35-39This passage shows Jesus seeking solitude and a desert place for prayer, even after a day of ministry, underscoring His need for withdrawal from the crowds.
John 6:15This verse describes Jesus' reaction to a crowd wanting to make Him king by force, showing His deliberate withdrawal to avoid such worldly expectations and potential sedition.
Isaiah 53:3While Matthew 8:17 quotes Isaiah 53:3 in relation to Jesus healing diseases, the broader context of this prophecy about the Suffering Servant describes one who was 'despised and rejected by men,' mirroring Jesus' humble circumstances and the rejection He faced.
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 Jesus had just performed powerful miracles, he intentionally pulls away from the clamoring crowds. This isn't just about finding personal rest; it's a deliberate choice to avoid the shallow admiration of the masses who were drawn more by spectacle than by the substance of his message.
Jesus, having just healed Peter's mother-in-law and cast out demons and healed the sick in Capernaum, finds himself surrounded by yet another large crowd. Wanting to escape the throng and find some rest, he decides to move to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, instructing his disciples to prepare for the journey. This moment sets the stage for a scribe to approach Jesus with a declaration of loyalty, prompting Jesus to reveal the challenging reality of following him.
Jesus, having just healed Peter's mother-in-law and cast out demons and healed the sick in Capernaum, finds himself surrounded by yet another large crowd. Wanting to escape the throng and find some rest, he decides to move to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, instructing his disciples to prepare for the journey. This moment sets the stage for a scribe to approach Jesus with a declaration of loyalty, prompting Jesus to reveal the challenging reality of following him.
"Now when Jesus saw a crowd around him, he gave orders to go over to the other side." — Though Jesus had just performed powerful miracles, he intentionally pulls away from the clamoring crowds. This isn't just about finding personal rest; it's a deliberate choice to avoid the shallow ad…
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Last reviewed October 2026