John 11:54

In the third consequent of this miracle, is recorded, what was Christs carriage upon their conclusion; to wit, that he withdrew himselfe to a more solitary and barren place, where he continued with his disciples, till the time came that he was called to yeeld himselfe. The Citie Ephraim, is only mentioned here, and 2 Sam. 13.23. It is conceived to have stood on the borders betwixt the tribes of Ephraim and Benjamin, having that Baal hazar, 2 Sam 13. toward the east, and Ai (of which Josh 7.) toward the west of it. And this wildernesse, or, more desert ground, may be conceived to be that running from Ai toward Gilgal, (and so by Ephraim,) of which mention is made, Josh 8.15. Doctrine 1. Christs enemies, in their most secret consultations, will not get a stroak stollen on him, but he knows all their projects and conclusions, and how to order his affairs accordingly; for, his fleeing on that ground evidenceth that he was not ignorant of it, Jesus therefore walked no more openly. 2. Mens being in Gods way, and their having confidence in him, ought not to hinder them in wary and prudent walking, that so they may avoid presumption, or tempting of him, by casting themselves into hazards; for, even our Lord would walk no more openly among the Jewes, when there was hazard, till his time came. 3. As it is lawful for Christs servants to flee, when their death is decreed by enemies, and the persecution is personal; So they are not to take it ill, if they be often and many times put to hard shifts, for their own preservation; for, after that Christ hath been forced oft-times to withdraw before, he is yet put to it again. 4. Christ will readily get better shelter and entertainment in obscure and barren places, then places of wealth and ease will afford him; for, he must go unto a country near the wildernesse, into a Citie called Ephraim, and there continue. 5. Whatever be Christs lot, it is still the duty of his followers to cleave to him; for, there he continued with his disciples. See Luk. 22.28.