Mark 3:7

Withdrew. [Jesus’ Popularity, Mark 3:7—12 = Matt. 12:15-21. Major comment: Mark.] The Gospel of Mark notes repeatedly that Jesus moved from place to place to escape undue popularity or undue opposition (see chs. 1:45; 7:24; etc.). His withdrawal here was evidently prompted by the desire to avoid further conflict with the religious, and perhaps also the political, authorities. Mark, accordingly, interrupts the series of incidents of conflict in order to comment on the growing popularity of Jesus, which was accompanied proportionately by the increasing hatred and opposition of the Jewish leaders (see on Matt. 12:15).

To the sea. It would seem that the incident of healing the man with a withered hand occurred in an interior city of Galilee, possibly Sepphoris (see on v. 6). The close parallel accounts of the synoptic writers imply, further, that when Jesus left the interior of Galilee He went “to the sea” of Galilee, possibly in the vicinity of the Plain of Gennesaret, to the south of Capernaum. He no doubt found a comparatively secluded stretch of shore away from the cities (see on Luke 5:1).

A great multitude. See on Matt. 5:1. All three synoptic writers mention the great throngs now following Jesus. This situation made apparent the need for a more effective organization, and of more witnesses to devote their entire time to meeting the demands made upon Jesus by the throngs. Two of the three gospel writers, significantly, call attention to the “great multitude” that followed Jesus and clung to Him, immediately prior to the appointment of the Twelve and the Sermon on the Mount (see on Matt. 5:1; Luke 6:17).