When Even Jesus Withdrew

We focus on the big miracle. But don't miss the littler, no less important retreats of Jesus.

For good reason, this passage usually focuses on the incredible miracle in which Jesus multiplies food for thousands of people. But today, notice what surrounds that miracle.

Jesus had just received devastating news - the death of his second cousin, John the Baptist. John was the first to recognize the adult Jesus for who he was. He had baptized him. And Jesus and John shared a particular calling from God as prophets calling the people of God back to righteousness.

So it is no surprise that when Jesus heard of John’s death, he sought to retreat for a while. To be alone. Matthew does not give specific reason as to why, but the implication seems strong: Jesus needed some time. Was he grieving? Was he afraid? Was he reflecting on what John’s death meant for his own path? The text is quiet here, but the implication is strong: Jesus needed time. Space. Solitude.

But the crowds won’t allow it. The crowd heard of his movement and followed around the perimeter of the water to where he landed. Ugh…perhaps you can identify with such things. How familiar it is for any of us who’ve longed for rest only to be met by more need.

And yet—this is the remarkable part—Jesus doesn’t snap. He doesn’t hide or retreat further (yet). He meets the crowd with compassion. He heals their sick. He feeds their hunger.

Only after all of this does he return to his desire for solitude, finally sending both the crowd and the disciples away so he can ascend the mountain to pray alone.

What’s stunning here is not just the miracle of loaves and fish, but the humanity of Jesus. Jesus Christ himself, Son of God, Calmer of Seas, Vanquisher of Death…sought time to be alone. To recalibrate with the Father. To avoid people for a bit.

How much so, if Jesus felt he needed to, must we?

Matthew 14:13-23

When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick. That evening his disciples came and said to him, “This is an isolated place and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

But Jesus said to them, “There’s no need to send them away. You give them something to eat.”

They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.”

He said, “Bring them here to me.” He ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them and broke the loaves apart and gave them to his disciples. Then the disciples gave them to the crowds. Everyone ate until they were full, and they filled twelve baskets with the leftovers. About five thousand men plus women and children had eaten.

Right then, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead to the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowds. When he sent them away, he went up onto a mountain by himself to pray. Evening came and he was alone.

Psalm 62:5-8

Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from him! Only God is my rock and my salvation—my stronghold!—I will not be shaken. My deliverance and glory depend on God. God is my strong rock. My refuge is in God. All you people: Trust in him at all times! Pour out your hearts before him! God is our refuge!

Prayer

God,

Lead me with the compassion of Jesus.
Challenge me with his humanity.
Enlighten me with his wisdom.
Empower me with his desire for oneness with you.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.