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| PentecostalTheology.com
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14 NIV
While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. John 12:36 KJV
and
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matthew 5.15
The first passage from Matthew 14:13-14 describes how Jesus withdrew to a solitary place by boat when he heard about John the Baptist’s death. However, when he arrived, a large crowd had already gathered, and he had compassion on them, healing their sick.
In the second passage from John 12:36, Jesus speaks about the importance of believing in the light while it is still present, but then departs and hides himself from the people.
The third passage from Matthew 5:15 emphasizes the importance of shining one’s light for others to see, rather than hiding it away.
While Jesus is often referred to as the "light of the world," there is no record in the Bible of him ever hiding from a crowd because he was afraid or ashamed. In fact, throughout his ministry, Jesus often attracted large crowds of people who wanted to hear his teachings and witness his miracles.
There are a few instances in the Bible where Jesus did withdraw from the crowds. What would really be the reasons for these departures?
