While Jesus sought seclusion (Matthew 14:13a), the crowds surrounded him, but rather than be agitated, he showed his compassion by healing the sick (see Matthew 9:36).
As his public ministry came to an end (see John 12:37), his compassion took center stage. The situation was somewhat like that of Matthew 9:36, yet it also is somewhat different, for there, Jesus was about to send out the disciples, whose primary task was to preach.
Jesus sought seclusion and tranquility (Matthew 14:13a), yet instead of this he found himself in the midst of thousands of people. Instead of being agitated, however, he exhibited great sympathy with the crowds and proceeded to heal the sick (see Matthew 9:36).1
Now that his public ministry comes to an end (see John 12:37), his compassion begins to take center stage. Jesus begins to heal the sick. The situation on the one hand resembles that of Matthew 9:36, yet it is at the same time also somewhat different—for there, Jesus was about to send out the disciples, whose primary task was to preach.2
14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.