Matthew 13:53
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. Matthew 13:53
“And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence” (CG).
In the previous verse, Jesus explained that when a scribe is instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven, he is like a householder who brings out treasure, both newbies and oldies. Matthew next records, “And it was when He finished, Jesus, these parables, He after-lifted thence.”
A new and rare word, metairó, to get up and remove oneself, is seen. It is derived from meta, after-with, and airó, to lift. There is no exact English word, but the idea of a plane taking off is somewhat analogous. There is a purposeful intent of getting up and removing oneself from one place to another. Of this word, the Topical Lexicon provides the following information to consider –
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Overview
Underlying the verb translated “withdrew” or “left” [...] is the idea of deliberately lifting oneself from a setting in order to proceed elsewhere. It portrays purposeful movement, not aimless wandering, and appears at pivotal junctures in the life of Jesus Christ when a season of public instruction has reached its conclusion.
Occurrences in Matthew’s Gospel
- Matthew 13:53 – “When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.”
- Matthew 19:1 – “When Jesus had finished saying these things, He left Galilee and went into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan.”
Both texts follow extended teaching sections (the kingdom parables of chapter 13 and the community-life discourse of chapters 18–19). The verb signals a narrative hinge: completed revelation is now matched by fresh movement, preparing the reader for the next stage of ministry.
Literary Function in Matthew
Matthew organizes his Gospel around five large discourse blocks, each ending with a formula, “When Jesus had finished…” (compare Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). [...metairó] occurs twice within those formulas, highlighting two transitions:
- From parable instruction to the rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13:53-58).
- From community ethics to the southward journey culminating in the passion (Matthew 19:1).
The choice of this verb underscores that Jesus’ withdrawals are neither retreats born of failure nor random relocations but divinely timed steps moving the redemptive plan forward.
Historical and Geographical Background
In the first reference, Jesus moves within Galilee, probably from the lakeside to His hometown region. In the second, He journeys from Galilee to Judea “beyond the Jordan,” the customary pilgrims’ route that avoided Samaria. Both settings remind readers that the incarnate Son walked real roads, interacted with real communities, and timed His travels to align with Jewish feast cycles and prophetic destiny (John 7:8-10; Luke 9:51).
Theological Significance
- Completion of Mission Segments: Each use follows the clause “when Jesus had finished,” emphasizing that the Lord never departs prematurely. His timing illustrates the principle later echoed in John 17:4, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.”
- Sovereign Direction: The verb underscores Christ’s authority over His itinerary (John 10:18). Opposition, crowds, or regional constraints cannot detain Him once the Father’s purpose in a location is fulfilled.
- Pattern for Discipleship: Just as Jesus taught and then withdrew, believers are called to combine proclamation with obedient movement (Acts 8:4-5, 26-40).
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Life application: In a single verse that is normally read over without much thought, there is a new and rare word that is purposefully used by Matthew, setting it off from more common words that bear a similar meaning. His choice of wording begs us to stop and consider why the change is made.
What God in Christ did at the coming of Jesus was purposeful. It was meticulously set forth and accomplished by Him. When Jesus successfully trained His disciples in these kingdom parables, and with their acknowledgment that they understood what He was speaking of, He next resolutely lifted Himself up and departed for Nazareth, His hometown.
Upon arrival there, His ability will be questioned based on their having seen Him grow up there. Thus, it will say that they were offended at Him. Jesus purposefully and knowingly went there to contrast the acceptance of His message by the disciples to the disbelieving rejection of His own town.
Have you faced rejection with family or friends because of your acceptance of Christ? Have you noticed a contrast between how those in the church and those you once were so friendly with treat you? Jesus went through this before you did. Be willing to accept what occurs and continue to keep Jesus at the forefront of your attention. He is there with you in your walk.
Lord God, when family and friends have turned away, we know that You are still with us. We will press on from day to day, walking this life with our Lord Jesus. Amen.
