And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. Luke 9:10
It seems that public property was already a thing in Bethsaida. It does not say a city park, which would have been nice for them, but a deserted place owned by the city. We have some of those here in our little town, and the larger cities probably have more of 'em. Jesus took His little group and found one of those places for some private time after the apostles had checked in with their leader. Did our Lord have an ulterior motive in this private meeting place? Yes, maybe, and perhaps several, but one is going to stand out for us; Jesus performs one of His more famous miracles here in this place - the feeding of the 5,000.
Our Lord Jesus took the apostles aside privately, but the multitudes soon followed and found them, or more accurately, Him. Here was a doctor whose healing worked, and He didn't send out huge bills. Here was a priest who had the words of life, and He did not make anyone go through a gauntlet of money-lenders and animal sellers. Here was the Son of God, and yet... the multitude probably didn't know or understand that in the way we have of knowing things. Self interest may have brought them, but the Son was about to give them (and us!) what was needed most - propitiation. He would offer up Himself to pay the sin price God's justice demanded of all peoples, nations, tribes, and tongues.
We are so grateful and glad that He did!
Bucky
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