"After his lengthy journey to be baptized and to spend forty days in solitude, Jesus returned to Galilee to commence his public ministry (Mark 1:14-34). There, he taught with authority, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing the sick and demonized. People were amazed at the authority with which he taught and the power by which he healed . . . .

Upon being discovered in solitary early morning prayer (Mark 1:35-38), Jesus told his disciples of his intention (presumably received in prayer) to extend his ministry of teaching and healing beyond Capernaum to the surrounding towns. And so he did, preaching and performing exorcisms in synagogues throughout Galilee (1:39). After Jesus' selection of the Twelve (Mark 3:13-19) came conflict and supposition from Jesus' own family and from the religious leaders. Further teaching and demonstration of kingdom power (Mark 3:20-6:6) prepared Jesus' followers to be sent out on mission themselves (Mark 6:7-13). Jesus' subsequent interrupted retreat was followed by healing, teaching, and the miraculous feeding of five thousand. He practiced suffering love in welcoming people at inopportune times. Immediately following the miraculous feeding Jesus spent another night in solitary prayer and community with his disciples in a storm, which culminated in the ministry of healing on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus' communion with his Father released divine energy in his mission (Mark 6:45-56)."