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Explanation for:
Matthew
14
:
13
Which when Jesus had heard, he retired from thence by boat, into a desert place apart, and the multitudes having heard of it, followed him on foot out of the cities.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Observe that the Lord withdrew in times of John’s betrayal (Matt. 4:12), during his execution, and when the Jewish leaders became aware of the many disciples Jesus was garnering (John 4:1-3). It was His preference to engage in human experiences more frequently until the moment arrived for Him to fully disclose His divine nature. Consequently, He instructed His followers to refrain from revealing His identity as the Messiah (Matthew 16:20), desiring this knowledge to emerge only after His resurrection. Thus, He did not condemn the Jews who had previously rejected Him; instead, He showed them leniency. He chose to depart not into the city, but into the wilderness and by boat to ensure that no one could pursue Him. \\n\\nIt is important to recognize that John's disciples drew nearer to Jesus during this time. They informed Him of John’s situation and, setting aside everything, they chose to follow Him. Even amidst their misfortune, they were significantly enlightened by the truths Jesus had already communicated to them. Yet, one might wonder why the Lord waited to hear from them, despite His awareness of the circumstances. This was to illustrate the reality of His incarnation. He intended to confirm its authenticity not merely by His appearance but through His actions, understanding the malicious ingenuity of the devil, who sought to undermine the belief in His incarnation in humanity. Such were the reasons for Christ’s withdrawal. Nevertheless, His followers did not abandon Him; they continued to pursue Him, undeterred by the events surrounding John. This demonstrates true devotion and love, which endures all challenges. For this, the crowds would soon receive their reward."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"They announced that John had been slain, and upon hearing this, Jesus withdrew to an isolated area. This withdrawal was not out of fear of death, as some might believe, but rather to spare His adversaries from participating in the murder of John, thus preventing another unjust death. It is also possible that He delayed His own death until the time of Passover, when a lamb was to be sacrificially offered, and when the doorframes of the faithful were to be marked with blood (Ex. 12). Another reason for His retreat could be that He intended to provide us with an example of how to avoid the reckless rush of those who surrender themselves to their oppressors; not all demonstrate the same resolve in suffering as they do before they willingly face their trials. This is why He instructs us elsewhere: When they persecute you in one city, flee to another (Matthew 10:23). The Evangelist expresses this adeptly: he doesn’t say He fled but rather that He withdrew, implying that He distanced Himself from His pursuers rather than genuinely fearing them. \\n\\nFollowing the beheading of the prophet by the Jewish leaders, when prophecy became voiceless among them, Jesus retreated into the Church, which previously had no caretaker. In hearing of John’s death, He might have sought solitude for another purpose— to strengthen the faith of His followers. Ultimately, the crowds followed Him on foot, not on animals or carts, reflecting the fervor of their spirits. To grasp the significance of specific expressions, we would need to delve deeper into our study. However, it is worth noting that after the Lord entered the wilderness, a vast multitude followed Him, as before His step into the realm beyond, He had been honored by one nation alone."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When Jesus learned of this, He withdrew by boat to a solitary place, seeking solitude. His departure was in response to Herod's intent to kill Him, serving as a reminder for us to avoid perilous situations. Additionally, His retreat was to prevent any misconceptions regarding His divine nature. Had Herod captured Him, he would have attempted to destroy Him; if Jesus had then escaped danger prematurely, it might have been misconstrued that He was merely a spirit. Thus, He retreated to the wilderness not only for safety but also to perform a miracle with the loaves there. The crowds, upon hearing of His whereabouts, moved on foot from the towns to find Him, demonstrating their faith through their pursuit of Him as He left."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When Jesus learned of John's death, He withdrew to a solitary place by boat. Previously, upon hearing that John had been imprisoned, He also retreated for reasons we have discussed in the fourth chapter (Matt. 4:12). At that moment, He aimed to protect Himself until the appropriate time for the Cross arrived. Some suggest that Jesus learned of Herod's belief that He was John. The narrative surrounding John's demise was momentarily evoked here, and it flows toward these words, then resumes its original order. It is likely that Jesus was aware of both events at this moment. Mark offers another insight regarding this retreat, noting that He wanted to allow His disciples a time of rest after their return from ministry. The apostles gathered around Jesus, sharing everything they had experienced and taught. He instructed them to come away to a deserted place for a brief respite. There were many who sought Him, causing them to miss moments to eat. They set sail to the secluded area. This is affirmed by Mark (Mark 6:30-32). Luke also mentions this and notes the designation of the wilderness, saying, \\"And when they were found, they departed alone to a desolate place called Bethsaida.\\" It is important to recognize that as a man, Christ not only listened and withdrew but also tended to His own needs. As God, He possessed complete knowledge and had no need to escape. Despite this, upon hearing the crowds, He moved on foot toward them from the towns. Mark (Mark 6:33) indicates that the people noticed the disciples leaving; some observed them while others learned from those who had seen. Such is the nature of longing: it overcomes every hindrance."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The All-Knowing One was fully aware of all that had transpired concerning John. However, as a genuine human being, He could not receive the news of His beloved friend and relative's tragic death without profound grief. He was also cognizant of the fact that His adversaries, the scribes and Pharisees, were informing Herod that He was merely feigning the role of the Messiah King. Yet, since the time for His own suffering had not yet arrived, Jesus departed from that location within Galilee. He took a boat across the lake to a solitary area close to Bethsaida, going alone, but the crowds were unwilling to leave Him behind. When the apostles returned from their mission of preaching, the Lord instructed them to withdraw to a secluded place for some rest. He accompanied them in a boat to the northeastern shore of the lake of Galilee, to Bethsaida. However, the people witnessed their departure and hurried by foot along the shore to reach them."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon hearing of the Baptist's tragic demise, the Lord chose to retreat, steering clear of potential threats from Herod, as His appointed time had not yet arrived. The location from which He withdrew upon receiving this news may have been Nazareth (Matt. 13:54) or perhaps another area near the Lake of Gennesaret, given that He left ‘in a boat.’ He directed Himself towards a remote area, likely close to Bethsaida (Luke 9:10, see note on Matthew 11:21). In biblical contexts, desolate regions are not completely uninhabited but are typically sparsely populated and minimally cultivated (see note on Matthew 3:1). On the northeastern bank of the Lake of Gennesaret, there were several such expansive and wild areas that were largely uninhabited and served as grazing lands for livestock."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Upon hearing about John's death, Jesus received news from the disciples who had buried him. When Jesus' apostles returned from their mission, they gathered with Him and shared all that they had accomplished, as noted in Mark 6:30. At that time, Jesus was surrounded by large crowds, with so many people coming and going that they had little opportunity to eat (Mark 6:31). The tragic news of the last prophet's brutal death would undoubtedly have saddened Jesus, leading Him to seek solitude from the bustling throngs during this moment of mourning. He desired to retire to a quiet place, especially since His apostles had just returned from their various assignments. It was essential to have a private conversation with them to hear their reports, allowing them a chance to rest from the clamor of the crowd and to reflect on their experiences before recounting all they had done in His name.\\n\\nConsequently, Jesus withdrew with His apostles to a secluded location away from the crowd. According to Matthew, Jesus departed by boat to a solitary place on His own. Mark mentions that the apostles were sent to a remote area as instructed by Jesus. Luke states that Jesus took the apostles who had returned and went to a deserted place near a town named Bethsaida (Luke 9:10). From the accounts of these three Evangelists, it is evident that Matthew's use of \\"alone\\" and Mark's reference to \\"by themselves\\" implies that Jesus and the apostles were not accompanied by the throngs, reinforcing that Jesus withdrew together with them—not apart. Luke’s narrative indicates that they left as a group, and Mark clarifies that the crowd witnessed their departure. The multitude hurried on foot from all surrounding towns, eager to follow Jesus rather than the apostles as they continued their journey to Bethsaida. Although the evangelists do not specify the duration of this journey, it can be inferred from Mark’s account that the crowd along the lakeshore pursued the boat carrying Jesus and the apostles, eventually reaching ahead of them."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Meanwhile, the apostles journeyed through the towns and villages designated for their mission, proclaiming the Good News at every opportunity and affirming their message with miraculous healings, the expulsion of unclean spirits, and other wondrous acts. Their efforts yielded significant fruit, and upon returning to their Master, they were eager to share their experiences. Yet the Saviour was filled with deep sorrow over the plight of John the Baptist, prompting Him to retreat to a secluded area away from the bustling activity of Capernaum, seeking solace and a chance to commune privately with His disciples. As He boarded the boat, He instructed His followers to navigate towards Bethsaida—not the one from which Peter and the other apostles had departed, as that location was not truly a ‘desolate place’ due to its closeness to Capernaum—but rather another Bethsaida, situated at the northeastern edge of the lake, further from where the Jordan River flows into it. Initially a small village, it was later expanded and adorned by Philip, the governor of Iturea, who renamed it Bethsaida Julia in honor of Julia, the striking yet morally corrupt daughter of Emperor Augustus. The boat carried Christ and the apostles, whose weary hearts longed for rest. However, despite their attempt to leave quietly, their departure did not escape notice, and word of it quickly spread."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The apostles returned from their mission of preaching and shared with Christ the Savior all that they had proclaimed and accomplished. After their strenuous labors, they sought a moment of respite, but the multitude eager to encounter and hear the Lord was so vast that they scarcely had a chance to eat. In response, the Lord invited them, saying, \\"Come away to a deserted place by yourselves and rest a while.\\" While sending the disciples to a solitary location without the crowd, He intended to accompany them personally. This journey was prompted in part by the news of the martyrdom of His Forerunner and the awareness that His time had not yet come (John 7:5). To evade any potential peril from Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, He chose to travel to the territory of His brother Philip, near Bethsaida. Situated in the northeastern corner of the Sea of Galilee and close to where the Jordan River empties into it, this city was distinct from the Galilean village of the same name, which was the hometown of the apostle fishermen. The city was known as Bethsaida of Julia, named in honor of the daughter of Emperor Augustus. However, many in the crowd spotted them as they left, and those who recognized them informed others, leading people on foot from the surrounding towns to rush along the shore, determined not to lose sight of the boat and striving to reach it ahead of them."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The first three Gospel writers link Jesus Christ's journey to the eastern shore of the sea with two key events: the disciples of John the Baptist bringing news of their teacher's martyrdom and the return of the twelve apostles from their mission, during which both they and Jesus sought a place of rest (Mark). Additionally, this move is tied to gossip about Jesus circulating in Herod's court, alongside Herod's desire to meet Jesus (Luke 9:1-10). As the tired disciples and Jesus, who was frequently surrounded by crowds, sought a moment of solitude, the tragic news of John the Baptist’s death, coupled with Herod's intentions, compelled the Lord to withdraw to the eastern shore of the sea, specifically to the territory ruled by tetrarch Philip, the sole son of Herod the Great, who was remembered fondly by the people (see Luke 3:1). According to Luke, the secluded area where Jesus and His disciples found refuge was in proximity to Bethsaida. Given the broader context of the surrounding narratives, this indicates a crossing to Bethsaida located eastward, referred to as Bethsaida-Julia, named by Philip in tribute to Julia, the daughter of Caesar Augustus, near the point where the Jordan River meets the Sea of Galilee. Therefore, when mentioning the crossing \\"beyond the lake of Gennesaret,\\" the Gospel of John is highlighting the dual names of the same body of water. The second name specifically refers to the shore of Tiberias, likely due to Jesus and the apostles having departed from that location, as noted in verse 23, which indicates that the following day, vessels arrived from Tiberias at the site of the miraculous feeding of the multitudes."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the people journeyed from various towns to Jerusalem for the upcoming festival, their interest in Jesus grew, particularly following John’s death, leading to larger gatherings around Him each day. However, the Lord had no plans to go to Jerusalem, as His appointed time had not yet arrived (John 7:6, 8). Therefore, considering Herod's threats and wishing to bring reassurance to His disciples, He chose to retreat with them to a quiet location—Bethsaida, situated on the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee. This town was part of the region of Gavaonitis and was under the authority of Philip, Herod Antipas’s brother (Luke 9:10). They made their way across the lake, but the crowd pursued them along the shoreline. Realizing they could not escape, the Lord began to teach them about the kingdom of heaven and compassionately healed those who were afflicted. As the day wore on, the people remained with Him despite their hunger."}]}
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