Matthew 14:13
When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.
When Jesus heard about it
This phrase refers to the news of John the Baptist's death, which deeply affected Jesus. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούω" (akouo), which implies not just hearing but understanding and processing the information. In the context of Jesus' ministry, this moment marks a significant emotional and strategic point. Jesus, fully human, experiences grief and loss, reminding us of His empathy and connection to human suffering. Historically, John the Baptist's death was a pivotal event, signaling the increasing hostility towards Jesus and His message.

He withdrew from there
The Greek word "ἀναχωρέω" (anachoreo) means to depart or withdraw, often used in the context of seeking refuge or retreat. Jesus' withdrawal is not an act of fear but a strategic retreat for reflection, prayer, and preparation. It highlights the importance of solitude in spiritual life, a time to seek God's guidance away from the chaos of the world. This action also reflects Jesus' awareness of timing in His ministry, knowing when to engage and when to step back.

by boat
The use of a boat indicates the geographical setting of Jesus' ministry around the Sea of Galilee. Boats were common means of transportation, emphasizing the practical aspects of Jesus' ministry. This detail also underscores the accessibility of Jesus to the people, as He often taught from boats to accommodate large crowds. Archaeological findings of first-century fishing boats provide insight into the daily life and technology of the time, grounding the Gospel narratives in historical reality.

privately
The Greek word "κατ' ἰδίαν" (kat' idian) means privately or alone. This emphasizes Jesus' need for personal space and time with His disciples, away from the demands of the crowds. It reflects the balance between public ministry and private devotion, a model for Christian leaders to follow. Jesus' private moments were often spent in prayer, highlighting the necessity of communion with the Father for strength and guidance.

to a solitary place
The term "ἔρημος" (eremos) refers to a deserted or uninhabited place. In biblical terms, the wilderness or solitary places are often where significant spiritual encounters occur. This setting provides a backdrop for reflection and divine revelation, reminiscent of the Israelites' wilderness journey and Jesus' own temptation. It symbolizes a place of testing, renewal, and preparation for what lies ahead.

But the crowds found out
Despite Jesus' intention for solitude, the crowds' determination to find Him illustrates their deep spiritual hunger and need for His teaching and healing. The Greek word "ἀκούω" (akouo) again implies that they not only heard but actively sought Him out. This reflects the growing popularity and impact of Jesus' ministry, as well as the people's recognition of His authority and compassion.

and followed Him on foot
The phrase "on foot" indicates the lengths to which the people went to be near Jesus, showing their desperation and commitment. This physical pursuit is symbolic of the spiritual pursuit of Christ, a call to follow Him despite obstacles. It also highlights the communal aspect of faith, as people from various towns came together, united in their desire to encounter Jesus.

from the towns
This detail underscores the widespread influence of Jesus' ministry, reaching beyond individual villages to entire regions. The towns represent diverse communities, each bringing their unique needs and expectations. Historically, this movement of people reflects the socio-political climate of the time, where hope for a Messiah was fervent. It also foreshadows the expansive reach of the Gospel, transcending local boundaries to impact the world.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
Central figure in the passage, who seeks solitude after hearing about John the Baptist's death.

2. John the Baptist
His death prompts Jesus to withdraw, highlighting the close connection between their ministries.

3. The Crowds
Demonstrate their eagerness to follow Jesus, even when He seeks solitude.

4. Solitary Place
Represents a location for rest and reflection, often used by Jesus for prayer and communion with God.

5. Towns
Indicate the origin of the crowds, showing the widespread interest in Jesus' ministry.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Solitude
Jesus models the necessity of withdrawing to a quiet place for spiritual renewal and reflection, especially after significant events or emotional distress.

Responding to Grief
Jesus' withdrawal after hearing about John's death shows a healthy response to grief, emphasizing the need for time alone with God in difficult times.

The Pursuit of Jesus
The crowds' determination to follow Jesus, even when He seeks solitude, challenges us to pursue Him with the same fervor and dedication.

Balancing Ministry and Rest
Jesus' actions teach us the importance of balancing active ministry with periods of rest and reflection to maintain spiritual health.

God's Presence in Solitude
Solitude is not just about being alone but about being in the presence of God, allowing Him to restore and guide us.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to John's death in Matthew 14:13 inform our understanding of handling grief and loss in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of solitude and prayer into our daily routines, following Jesus' example?

3. How do the actions of the crowds in this passage challenge us to pursue Jesus more earnestly in our own spiritual journeys?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure a healthy balance between ministry activities and personal spiritual renewal?

5. How can we experience God's presence and restoration in times of solitude, and what biblical promises can we rely on during these times?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Mark 6:30-32
Provides a parallel account, emphasizing the need for rest and retreat in ministry.

Luke 5:16
Highlights Jesus' habit of withdrawing to solitary places to pray, underscoring the importance of solitude in His life.

Matthew 4:12
Shows a similar pattern of withdrawal after significant events, such as John the Baptist's imprisonment.

Isaiah 53:3
Reflects on the theme of Jesus as a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, which can be connected to His response to John's death.

Psalm 23:2-3
Illustrates the concept of God leading His people to quiet places for restoration, akin to Jesus seeking solitude.
The First Impulse of the Sorrow StrickenR. Tuck Matthew 14:13
Solitude not PermanentJoseph Parker, D. D.Matthew 14:13-14
The Sorrowing SaviourA Scott.Matthew 14:13-14
The Sacrament MiracleP.C. Barker Matthew 14:13-21
The Table in the WildernessJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 14:13-21
People
Herod, Herodias, Jesus, John, Peter, Philip
Places
Galilee, Genneseret, Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Apart, Boat, Cities, Crowds, Departed, Desert, Deserted, Desolate, District, Ears, Follow, Followed, Foot, Hearing, John, Lonely, Multitudes, Privately, Receiving, Secluded, Ship, Solitary, Thence, Thereof, Tidings, Towns, Uninhabited, Waste, Withdrew
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 14:13

     2045   Christ, knowledge of
     5517   seafaring
     8120   following Christ

Matthew 14:9-13

     5921   privacy

Matthew 14:13-21

     4418   bread

Library
July 23. "Bring them Hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18).
"Bring them hither to Me" (Matt. xiv. 18). Why have ye not received all the fulness of the Holy Spirit? And how may we be anointed with "the rest of the oil?" The greatest need is to make room when God makes it. Look around you at your situation. Are you not encompassed with needs at this very moment, and almost overwhelmed with difficulties, trials and emergencies? These are all divinely provided vessels for the Holy Spirit to fill, and if you would but rightly understand their meaning, they would
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
'And John's disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.'--MATT. xiv. 12. 'And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy.'--MATT. xxviii. 8. There is a remarkable parallel and still more remarkable contrast between these two groups of disciples at the graves of their respective masters. John the Baptist's followers venture into the very jaws of the lion to rescue the headless corpse of their martyred teacher from a prison grave. They bear it
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Peter on the Waves
'And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come unto Thee on the water.'--MATT. xiv. 28. We owe this account of an episode in the miracle of Christ's walking on the waters to Matthew alone. Singularly enough there is no reference to Peter's venturesomeness and failure in the Gospel which is generally believed to have been written under his special inspection and suggestion. Mark passes by that part of the narrative without a word. That may be because Peter was somewhat ashamed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Martyrdom of John
'At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, 2. And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. 3. For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife. 4. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 5. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Food of the World
'He gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20. And they did all eat, and were filled; and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full.'--MATT. xiv. 19, 20. The miracles of Scripture are not merely wonders, but signs. It is one of their most striking characteristics that they are not, like the pretended portents of false faiths, mere mighty deeds standing in no sort of intellectual relation to the message of which they claim to be the attestation,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The King's Highway
'And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before Him unto the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26. And when the disciples saw Him walking
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Again on Matt. xiv. 25: of the Lord Walking on the Waves of the Sea, and of Peter Tottering.
1. The Gospel which has just been read touching the Lord Christ, who walked on the waters of the sea; [2566] and the Apostle Peter, who as he was walking, tottered through fear, and sinking in distrust, rose again by confession, gives us to understand that the sea is the present world, and the Apostle Peter the type of the One Church. For Peter in the order of Apostles first, and in the love of Christ most forward, answers oftentimes alone for all the rest. Again, when the Lord Jesus Christ asked,
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xiv. 24, "But the Boat was Now in the Midst of the Sea, Distressed by the Waves. "
1. The lesson of the Gospel which we have just heard is a lesson of humility to us all, that we may see and know where we are, and whither we must tend and hasten. For that ship which carries the disciples, which was tossed in the waves by a contrary wind, is not without its meaning. Nor without a meaning [2541] did the Lord after He had left the multitudes, go up into a mountain to pray alone; and then coming to His disciples found them in danger, walking on the sea, and getting up into the ship
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Mr. Fearing Comforted
I think I shall be quite safe in concluding this morning, that there are some here who are full of doubting and fearing. Sure I am that all true Christians have their times of anxious questioning. The heart that hath never doubted has not yet learned to believe. As the farmers say, "The land that will not grow a thistle, will not grow wheat;" and the heart that cannot produce a doubt has not yet understood the meaning of believing. He that never doubted of his state--he may, perhaps he may, too late.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision A. Return of the Twelve and Retirement To the East Shore of Galilee. ^A Matt. XIV. 13; ^B Mark VI. 30-32; ^C Luke IX. 10; ^D John VI. 1. ^b 30 And the apostles gather themselves together unto Jesus; ^c when they were returned, ^b and they told { ^c declared unto} ^b him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. [They had fulfilled the mission on which Jesus had sent them, and on returning each pair made to him a full report of their work.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Herod Antipas Supposes Jesus to be John.
^A Matt. XIV. 1-12; ^B Mark VI. 14-29; ^C Luke IX. 7-9. ^b 14 And ^c 7 Now ^a 1 At that season ^b King Herod [Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great. See page 63.] ^c the tetrarch heard of all that was done ^a heard the report concerning Jesus, ^b for his name had become known: ^c and he was perplexed, because that it was said by some, that John was risen from the dead; 8 and by some, that Elijah had appeared; and by others, that one of the old prophets was risen again. [The work of Jesus impressed
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision B. Feeding the Five Thousand. ^A Matt. XIV. 13-21; ^B Mark VI. 33-44; ^C Luke IX. 11-17; ^D John VI. 2-14. ^c 11 But { ^a and} the multitudes heard thereof [heard of Jesus and his disciples crossing the lake], ^b 33 And they saw them going, and ^c perceiving it, ^b many knew them, ^d 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they beheld the signs which he did on them that were sick. ^b and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Miraculous Feeding of the Five Thousand
In the circumstances described in the previous chapter, Jesus resolved at once to leave Capernaum; and this probably alike for the sake of His disciples, who needed rest; for that of the people, who might have attempted a rising after the murder of the Baptist; and temporarily to withdraw Himself and His followers from the power of Herod. For this purpose He chose the place outside the dominions of Antipas, nearest to Capernaum. This was Beth-Saida (the house of fishing,' Fisher-town,' [3198] as
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Night of Miracles on the Lake of Gennesaret
THE last question of the Baptist, spoken in public, had been: Art Thou the Coming One, or look we for another?' It had, in part, been answered, as the murmur had passed through the ranks: This One is truly the Prophet, the Coming One!' So, then, they had no longer to wait, nor to look for another! And this Prophet' was Israel's long expected Messiah. What this would imply to the people, in the intensity and longing of the great hope which, for centuries, nay, far beyond the time of Ezra, had swayed
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Preachings on the Lake.
Such was the group which, on the borders of the lake of Tiberias, gathered around Jesus. The aristocracy was represented there by a customs-officer and by the wife of one of Herod's stewards. The rest were fishermen and common people. Their ignorance was extreme; their intelligence was feeble; they believed in apparitions and spirits.[1] Not one element of Greek culture had penetrated this first assembly of the saints. They had very little Jewish instruction; but heart and good-will overflowed. The
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Be of Good Cheer.
"BE of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid" (Matthew xiv:27). "Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God believe also in Me. In my father's house are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John xiv:1-3). "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Rationalistic Explanation.
PAULUS. But the champions of this theory may admit all this, and yet fasten the delusion upon the disciples of Christ, who were so dazzled by his character, words, and works, that they mistook an extraordinary man for a divine being, and extraordinary medical cures for supernatural miracles. This is the view of the older German Rationalism.[75]75 It forms a parallel to the heathen rationalism of Euhemerus, of the Cyrenaic school: he explained the gods of the Greek mythology as human sages, heroes,
Philip Schaff—The Person of Christ

Capernaum
From the things last spoken, we gather no trifling conjecture concerning the situation of the town of Capernaum. Josephus relates that the country of Gennesar, which we have described, was watered "with a spring of excellent water; the people thereabouts call it Capernaum." From that either the city hath its name, or rather that hath its name from the city; and the city from the pleasantness of the place. The evangelists, compared together, do make it clear, that this city was seated in the land
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Grave of John, and Another Grave
(MATTHEW XIV. 12.) "When some beloved voice, that was to you Both sound and sweetness, faileth suddenly, And silence, against which you dare not cry, Aches round you like a strong disease and new,-- What hope, what help, what music will undo That silence to your sense? Not friendship's sigh, Not reason's subtle count.... Nay, none of these! Speak, Thou availing Christ!--and fill this pause." E. B. BROWNING. "Tell Jesus"--The Sin-Bearer--The Resurrection of Jesus--The Followers of John, and of
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

The Confidence of Prayer. --Matt. xiv. 22
The Confidence of Prayer.--Matt. xiv. 22. Why thus, my soul, cast down? And why disquieted? Black though the tempest frown, The surge pass o'er thy head; Wait the fourth watch;--for One who saves Comes to thee, walking on the waves. Lord! Lord! if it be Thou, Bid me come down to Thee; Jesus! I know Thee now, And walk upon the sea; Faith fails; ah me! the gulf runs high, Save, Lord, I sink! O save, I die! I grasp thy outstretch'd hand; We climb the vessel's side; And lo! we touch the land, The
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns

The Glory of Penitents and Pious People.
Who are they that compose yonder bright multitude? They are headed by a queen who does not wear a virgin's crown; and yet, she is so beautiful, and enjoys so intimate a union with Jesus. Who is she? She is Mary Magdalen, the bright queen of Penitents, and the star of hope to all who have grievously sinned in this world. She was once a sinner, and such a sinner! Her soul was the home of seven devils! She was a hireling of Satan, to catch the souls of men. But a flash of light came forth from the Heart
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

Christ's Encouragements
'Son, be of good cheer.'--MATT. ix. 2. This word of encouragement, which exhorts to both cheerfulness and courage, is often upon Christ's lips. It is only once employed in the Gospels by any other than He. If we throw together the various instances in which He thus speaks, we may get a somewhat striking view of the hindrances to such a temper of bold, buoyant cheerfulness which the world presents, and of the means for securing it which Christ provides. But before I consider these individually, let
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Dancing.
DANCING is the expression of inward feelings by means of rhythmical movements of the body. Usually these movements are in measured step, and are accompanied by music. In some form or another dancing is as old as the world, and has been practiced by rude as well as by civilized peoples. The passion for amateur dancing always has been strongest among savage nations, who have made equal use of it in religious rites and in war. With the savages the dancers work themselves into a perfect frenzy, into
J. M. Judy—Questionable Amusements and Worthy Substitutes

The Chronology
45. The length of the public ministry of Jesus was one of the earliest questions which arose in the study of the four gospels. In the second and third centuries it was not uncommon to find the answer in the passage from Isaiah (lxi. 1, 2), which Jesus declared was fulfilled in himself. "The acceptable year of the Lord" was taken to indicate that the ministry covered little more than a year. The fact that the first three gospels mention but one Passover (that at the end), and but one journey to Jerusalem,
Rush Rhees—The Life of Jesus of Nazareth

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