What is the meaning of Matthew 12:15? Aware of this Jesus knew the Pharisees “conspired to kill Him” (Matthew 12:14). • His perfect knowledge of hearts is seen elsewhere—“He knew all men” (John 2:24-25) and “Jesus, knowing their thoughts” (Matthew 9:4). • He remains fully in control; opposition never surprises Him. • The setting reminds us of Psalm 2:1-4: earthly plots cannot overturn God’s anointed. Jesus withdrew from that place • Withdrawal is not retreat from mission but timing: “My time has not yet come” (John 7:6). • He often moved on when hostility rose (John 7:1; Luke 4:30; John 10:39), modeling wisdom and avoiding premature confrontation so the plan of redemption would unfold exactly as foretold. • His action also fulfills His own counsel to the disciples: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next” (Matthew 10:23). Large crowds followed Him • Opposition from leaders could not quench popular hunger for the Savior. Similar scenes appear in Matthew 4:25; 8:1; 13:2. • The crowds’ persistence underlines Isaiah 42:4, quoted just after this passage (Matthew 12:18-21): the Servant’s ministry would reach the nations despite resistance. • They followed because they “saw the signs He was performing” (John 6:2) and because “He was teaching them as one who had authority” (Matthew 7:29). He healed them all • No selective mercy—everyone who came received healing, echoing “He healed every disease and sickness among the people” (Matthew 4:23). • His works affirm His identity: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk… the poor are told the good news” (Matthew 11:5), fulfilling messianic prophecy (Isaiah 35:5-6). • Acts 10:38 looks back, noting He “went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil.” • Physical healing points to His deeper purpose: to save utterly all who come to Him (Hebrews 7:25). summary Matthew 12:15 shows Christ sovereignly aware of danger, wisely adjusting His location, still drawing multitudes, and lavishly healing every seeker. The verse reassures believers that human schemes cannot thwart His timetable, and His compassionate power remains available to all who pursue Him. |
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