Matthew’s introduction to the Feeding of the 5,000 tells us “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.” Our initial tendency is to assume that what “Jesus heard” was Matthew’s account of John’s death. Mark and Luke don’t leave us to assume. They tell us that “what Jesus heard” was the report of the disciples.

The result is that Jesus and the twelve crossed the Galilee to the eastern coast, needing time to rest. They sought a secluded place near a town called Bethsaida. They didn’t get any rest, however. Those who saw them land and recognized Jesus soon invaded their space where Jesus continued to minister.

We don’t know how long the Twelve were out on their own. (Matthew 11:1 tells us Jesus continued to minister while they were out.) John tells us they returned before Passover, which fell in 32 A.D. on April 14.