Jesus was popular with the crowds but hated by the religious leaders. He loved them all but did not trust Himself to any of them. John 2:24-25 says, "But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person." So he did not want people to advertise His presence or give the Pharisees more opportunity to kill Him at the wrong time.
 
Jesus was not afraid of death by crucifixion, for He knew that was the purpose of His incarnation (John 12:27; Galatians 4:4-5); but it needed to happen at God's time. His death had to be a willing sacrifice and not a summary execution. God's timing was perfect and Jesus did not want to step outside that by a single day.
 
The life and death of Jesus was predicted by Isaiah (writing under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) in Isaiah 42:1-2. Jesus was to be the Lord's chosen servant to fulfil salvation's plan. He was full of God's Spirit and love; and daily fulfilled the prophecy by proclaiming God's justice to people who were oppressed. He did not need popular support or human protection, because He was held by Father God. He just needed to make sure the timing was right and not allow others to fast-forward God's agenda.
 
There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). God knows the right time and much of our Christian discipleship is about doing the right thing at the right time. Too early and we will not be prepared, or the circumstances are not ripe for God to use us. Too late, and we have missed unique opportunities to be part of God's plan. We often pray about 'who' or 'what' or 'why' or 'where' ... but until we discern the Lord's 'when' we will not be able to serve Him as we should with a peaceful heart.