16 Jesus Teaches

Following the intense confrontation with the Pharisees over the healing of the man with a deformed hand Jesus and His apostles left the synagogues and went to the Sea of Galilee. At this time He had only chosen the inner circle of Peter, Andrew, John, James and Matthew too. The entire twelve had not yet been chosen. John 1:35-51 suggests that Philip and Nathaniel might have been chosen by this time too. Since He knew the precise amount of time it would take Him to fulfill His ministry before He went to the cross He was careful to avoid a major confrontation with them just yet. He knew that they were making plots to kill Him (Matthew 12:15). The Pharisees were now making league with their enemies the Herodians and Jesus knew how much time He needed to finish His mission before they would begin the process of seeking a trial on capital charges. Mark frequently makes mention of Jesus distancing Himself for prayer, rest, private meetings with His apostles and to keep His enemies at a distance until the time was correct