Matthew 14:9-139And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.14When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
John the Baptist was dead. He was martyred for the cause of Christ. Jesus already knew it, He was God, He knew it would happen before it happened! The disciples told Him anyway. I wonder if they said “Lord You’ll never believe what happened!” because they momentarily forgot that He was God, or if they said “Lord, You already know this but we’re gonna tell ya anyway….” I don’t know how they did it. But whatever they said, the Bible says that when He heard about it, He departed to a desert place…He wanted to be alone. He grieved at the loss of John. Jesus says of John in Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: … That’s high praise. John was also Jesus’ cousin – they were family. Jesus was perfect, John was not. Yet Jesus felt sad at the loss of John from the Earth. He took time to go away to a desert place and mourn, but only for a while. The next verse goes on to tell us that Jesus was moved with compassion on the people that followed Him, and that He healed their sick. He went on with His work. He stopped, He grieved and then He kept going. But, He felt the sharp stabbing pain of loss within His heart. He understands how it feels. He’s a loving and compassionate Savior. He’s a wonderful Savior to me!