Why did Christ flee without the Holy Innocents?

Why did Christ desert those whom He knew were being sought because of him, and whom He knew would be killed for his sake? Brothers, Christ did not despise his own soldiers but promoted them. He enabled them to participate in a victory without struggle. He gave them the gift of the crown even before their bodies had grown.  It was Christ’s will that they pass over vice for virtue, and attain heaven before earth and share in the divine life immediately. Thus it was that Christ sent his soldiers ahead.  He did not abandon them. He gathered up his ranks. He did not leave them behind.