The disciples who have recently been overcome with amazement at Jesus’ power and have chosen to follow Jesus on his return to his home town are now commissioned to proclaim and demonstrate the coming of the much anticipated Messianic rule. The disciples receive authority from Jesus to uproot the demonic forces which resist the coming kingdom and are given specific instructions that require the disciples to trust Jesus’ words and be completely dependent on God’s provision. The disciples disperse in teams of two reaching many people with the message that people must change their way of thinking in preparation of a visitation of God. This appeal is reinforced by visible signs that the kingdom of God is “at hand” as the disciples cast out many demons, anoint the sick, and heal many people.
The account of the disciples’ mission is interrupted by the story of John the Baptist’s tragic death. Following the role of prophets before him, John’s message has penetrated the ears of those who do not want to receive it. John’s commitment to unashamedly speaking God’s prophetic word to him brings him into a confrontation with a ruthless, immoral King Herod. Herod arrests John for rebuking Herod for taking his brother’s wife. This adulterous second wife then manipulates the lusts and pride of Herod and his dinner guests to insure the death of John the Baptist. The story ends with John being beheaded and buried in a tomb. The reader is then returned the end of the disciples’ mission.
The result of the disciple’s mission is that many have heard out about Jesus including Herod. Many are coming and going as they seemingly prepare for the promised messianic coming of a victorious, militant shepherd king. The hustle and bustle of people’s expectations and Jesus and John’s interaction with Herod are pushing events quickly forward. Jesus attempts to leave the scene telling his disciples they need some rest. However, Jesus’ movements are misinterpreted by the masses and 5,000 men show up in the wilderness of Galilee known for its revolutionary gatherings. Jesus is moved by compassion by the scene understanding the people’s pressing desire for a shepherd. Thus, he puts off his personal retreat plans and begins to teach them. As a night approaches, the disciples decide the army needs to be fed and suggest that the masses return to the surrounding villages for the night in order to obtain food. Jesus take immediate action to shift the situation perhaps sensing events are beginning to spiral beyond God’s purpose and plan for his life. He commands the disciples to give the people something to eat. The shocked and disgruntled disciples ignore the intended source of provision (Jesus) and instead sarcastically ask how they could possibly afford to buy food for so many people. Jesus then takes control. He instructs the disciples on how to organize and distribute food to the people and then foreshadowing the Last Supper and the giving of his own body takes what little bread they have prays, breaks the loaves, and gives it to the disciples for the people.
Everyone is fed and satisfied, but Jesus is not done. He immediately forces the disciples to leave in their boat separating them from the crowds (quite possibly because they were no longer aligned with his purpose at that time). Jesus then dismisses the people quelling for the moment any hopes for the gathering of a revolutionary army. After this tumultuous series of events, Jesus returns to the place of prayer alone to spend time with his Father and possibly to receive affirmation of his actions. After this experience with God, a supernaturally empowered Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples who are caught rowing against heavy winds. The disciples are terrified, unable to distinguish Jesus from the ghost they think he is. Jesus joins them in the boat and the winds subside. The astounded disciples are then reported have not understood who Jesus is because of their hard hearts signaling that even those who go about Jesus’ work may not understand who he is.
Jesus then returns to his ministry of bringing salvation to the neediest of Israel’s people having resisted the plan’s of the masses and disciples to follow a political or militant path. Without saying much Jesus has deeply challenged his followers' world view, he reminds us also - "I'm not who you think I am!"
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