Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Matthew 19:1

"And it came to pass when Jesus had finished these words, he departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judaea beyond the Jordan;" — Matthew 19:1 (ASV)

As with Jesus’ other discourses, Matthew concludes it with a formulaic saying . Jesus “left” Galilee and began to make his way toward Jerusalem, most likely traveling by way of Perea, on the east side of the Jordan, thus avoiding Samaria.

The large crowds and the many healings show that Jesus did in Judea what he had already done in Galilee. But the summaries of his ministry in this gospel (cf. 4:23; 9:35; 14:14; 16:30), along with showing how busy Jesus was, clearly demonstrate that he engaged in both a word and a deed ministry; he was a prophet and a mighty healer.