Jesus withdrew. To grieve. To be alone. To catch his breath. To pray. To consider what could happen to him. He got no chance to relax. The crowds pursued until they found him. They were probably grieving too, horrified by what had happened to John.
Herod’s persistent fear was that the Jews would revolt (14:5). If Jesus wanted to lead a revolt, now would be a good time. Surely it was time to take earth’s kingship from the rulers who resist God’s reign, killing any who dare question their authority?
That’s how this crowd thought. John’s Gospel says they were ready to use forceful means to make Jesus their king (John 6:15). But Jesus refused to fight. Whatever he was feeling over John’s death, he turned that emotion into compassion for the crowd who lived under such unjust rulers. His energies were directed not into avenging his cousin’s death, but into caring for the frail who’d struggled to reach this desolate place.
What a king! With no a sword, he withdraws from his enemies. With no palace, he’s among his people in the desert. In his pain, he feels and heals theirs (14:14). Earth has never known a king like this!