Jesus has now finished explaining the Kingdom of Heaven through parables. He enters a new phase of his ministry characterised by actions that will gradually draw him into the confrontation with the authorities in Jerusalem. The Church passes over the detailed account of the arrest and beheading of St John the Baptist – perhaps because we shall be marking this on 29th August – but it is an important marker. His role has finished. Now the heat will turn on Jesus. Jesus is not afraid of the authorities but he needs time alone with the disciples to pray and to prepare them for what is to come. His first attempt is defeated by the crowds guessing and anticipating his intentions. He takes the opportunity not only to feed them but also by the miraculous way in which he does this to encourage the disciples for what lies ahead. After this he will send the disciples ahead across the lake while he sends the crowds away. He will demonstrate his power over the waves by walking across the water to join them.
