Matthew 12:15
But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all;
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Jesus frequently withdrew from danger during His ministry: after Herod killed John (Matthew 14:13), after feeding 5000 when crowd wanted to make Him king (John 6:15), when Jews sought to stone Him (John 8:59, 10:39). Each withdrawal served strategic purpose: preserving life until appointed time, avoiding premature political confrontation, continuing ministry elsewhere. The pattern demonstrates Jesus's full humanity—He experienced genuine danger and responded with prudent wisdom—while maintaining divine purpose. 'Great multitudes' reflects His enormous popularity in Galilee despite Pharisaic opposition. Common people recognized His authority and compassion (Matthew 7:28-29). The comprehensive healing—'them all'—demonstrates Christ's unlimited power and compassion: every diseased person who came was healed, regardless of condition's severity or chronicity. This fulfilled Isaiah 53:4 (quoted in Matthew 8:17): He bore our sicknesses. Early church faced similar dynamics: persecution forced strategic relocation, but ministry continued wherever believers went (Acts 8:1-4).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance faithfulness to gospel ministry with wisdom about personal safety when facing opposition?
- What does Jesus's continued compassionate healing despite murder plot teach about priorities in Christian ministry?
- When is strategic withdrawal appropriate, versus when does faithfulness require staying despite danger?
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Analysis & Commentary
'But when Jesus knew it, he withdrew himself from thence: and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all.' Jesus's response to murderous plot is strategic withdrawal—not cowardice but wisdom. He 'knew it' (γνοὺς/gnous)—whether through human intelligence or divine omniscience, He discerned the danger. His withdrawal demonstrates that faithfulness doesn't require recklessness. There's appointed time for confrontation and death (John 7:6, 8:20, 13:1), but until then, wisdom dictates preservation. Reformed theology affirms divine sovereignty: God's purposes unfold according to His timing; believers should exercise wisdom in danger while trusting providential protection. The 'great multitudes followed' indicates Jesus retained popular support despite elite opposition. His response to their need: 'he healed them all' (ἐθεράπευσεν αὐτοὺς πάντας/etherapeusen autous pantas)—compassionate ministry continuing despite threats. This models Christian response to opposition: don't court needless danger, but don't abandon faithful ministry either. Jesus withdrew from hostile Pharisees but remained accessible to needy crowds.