JOHN 11:53–57
Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples
(John 11:54).
With the plot to kill Jesus fully under way, Jesus withdrew from Judea to a remote city somewhere in the wilderness. Why did Jesus leave? His time had not yet come. No matter how much plotting and scheming the Pharisees did, they could not catch Him until the predetermined hour had arrived. Yet, Jesus decided it was best to gather His disciples to Himself and retreat to an obscure city some distance from Judea. Why?
One reason for His departure was to mark Jerusalem and the Jewish people with His displeasure. They rejected Him and the Gospel, so He justly removed Himself and His message from them. The Word came among them to bring life and light, but they loved the darkness. Now the light was receding from the nation of Israel like the sunlight at dusk. The Old Testament prophets spoke of the need to know the day of “visitation,” to recognize when the truth came in one’s midst because once it was gone, it would not return. Sadly, the day of salvation had come and gone for many of the Jews. Christ had proclaimed the message of life, but they refused to believe, and the Lord “will not strive with man forever.”
Another reason was to test the motives of His adversaries. The Pharisees said that they did not want Him preaching in public and thus run the risk of establishing a following that would incite the Romans to violence. So, like David, Jesus withdrew from those who sought to kill Him. But His retreat from public ministry did not silence His enemies. It only served to fuel their rage and their lust for blood. They wanted His life, not His silence.
Still, another reason, and a more practical one, was that Jesus wanted to prepare His disciples for the inevitable. Knowing His time was short, He withdrew to strengthen those who would follow after Him. He could not do this as effectively if He were running here and there, hiding from the Pharisees.
Lastly, as Matthew Henry says, His withdrawal would make His return “more remarkable and illustrious.” His entrance into Jerusalem was met with elated expectation as crowds swelled to welcome the man who evoked love in some, but hatred in others.
CORAM DEO
Psalm 25–27
Acts 20:17–38
WEEKEND
Psalm 28–33
Acts 21
Ecclesiastes teaches that there is a season to speak and a season to be silent. But it is not easy to know when to speak and when to be silent. If you are in a situation where you don’t know which to do, especially if it has to do with telling someone the truth, commit it to prayer today. Pray for wisdom.
For further study: Isa. 49:8–10 • 2 Cor. 6:1–2
WEEKEND