John 11:54 Commentary and Bible Study

So because of their plot Jesus ‘walked no more openly among the Jews; but’ – in the few days before the Passover – ‘went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city’ – or village – ‘called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.’ He was not cowardly; he was not avoiding the arrest – he was keeping his timetable. He withdrew because he knew there were a few days yet to go to keep to the divine plan. And he appears to have taken advantage of this short retirement – or withdrawal – to instruct his disciples for the end.