John Calvin Commentary Matthew 12:14

"But the Pharisees went out, and took counsel against him, how they might destroy him." — Matthew 12:14 (ASV)

Then the Pharisees took counsel. How obstinate is the rage that drives the wicked to oppose God! Even after having been convinced, they pour out their venom more and more. It is truly monstrous and shocking that the most distinguished teachers of the Law, who were entrusted with the government of the Church, are engaged, like robbers, in contriving murder. But this must happen whenever the malice of men reaches such a height that they wish to destroy everything that is opposed to their inclination, even though it may be from God.

The circumstance of Christ’s making his escape by flight must not be ascribed to fear, for he did not become more courageous with the passage of time but was endowed with the same fortitude of the Spirit at the time when he fled as when, at a later period, he voluntarily presented himself to die.

This was a part of that emptying of himself which Paul mentions (Philippians 2:7), that when he could easily have protected his life by a miracle, he chose instead to submit to our weakness by taking flight. The only reason he delayed his death was that the fitting time, which had been appointed by the Father, was not yet come, (John 7:30; John 8:20).

And yet it is clear that he was preserved by heavenly power rather than by flight; for it would not have been difficult for his enemies to find out the place where he had retired, and so far was he from shrouding himself in darkness, that he carried a great company along with him and rendered that place illustrious by his miracles. He withdrew from their presence for the sole purpose of not aggravating their rage.