There was an inquiry on the part of a ‘certain lawyer’ as to what he should do to inherit eternal life.

He had sent forth the Seventy on vital work.

Whether or not the Seventy actually returned to Jesus before the feast of Tabernacles, it is convenient to consider the result of their mission

A peculiarity in the instructions given to the Seventy seem verbal rather than real

Although we can’t be certain as to the order of events, it was on his progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated those Seventy

We now see Jesus travelling to Jerusalem

We find Jesus once more with his disciples passing through Galilee, ready for their journey to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

The following morning Jesus and his three disciples moved camp.

Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ also identified his followers as the Church.

They arrived at Caesarea Philippi. It would have taken two days to get there.

His ministry in that Gentile district was about to draw to a close.

The Jerusalem Scribes, who had been relentlessly stalking Jesus, had been away celebrating the Passover during the recent healings.

Another miracle is recorded in these parts, also on a heathen

This miracle meant that Jesus would get no rest as the fame of the healing spread.

Jesus needed a break. Too many discussions and opposing voices, disappointments and defections.

Those who had wanted to take Jesus by force and make him their Messiah-King now caught up with him.

Let’s recap. Jesus and his disciples left Capernaum for Bethsaida on a Thursday and the miraculous feeding of the multitude took place that evening, followed by the passage of the disciples to the other side of the lake and him walking on the waters, in the night of Thursday to Friday.

An irresistible impulse seized the people. They would proclaim him King, then and there.

Jesus and his disciples needed to get away from Capernaum and rest

In these circumstances, we empathise with John’s disciples, as months of this weary captivity pass.