Although the weather conditions are not very favorable, it seems that we are in winter, before the third Passover festival marking the ministry of Jesus the Messiah, scheduled for Monday, April 12, AD 32 (John 6.4). Jesus the Messiah continues his work without interruption.
1st Passover festival: Friday, April 7, AD 30 (John 2.13)
2nd Passover festival: Monday, March 24, AD 31 (John 5.1)
3rd Passover festival: Monday, April 12, AD 32 (John 6.4)
4th Passover festival: Friday, April 1, AD 33 (John 11.55)
Reading these lines, we get the impression of repetition, so constantly did Jesus the Messiah travel through this region of Galilee to announce to all the good news of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The number of healings increases, and all the afflicted people seem to receive deliverance. It is noteworthy that, despite the marked opposition of the mentioned in chapter 12 of the Gospel according to Matthew, the remain accessible.
This seems to indicate a certain autonomy of the local leaders with regard to the authorities in Jerusalem. It is important to stress that Matthew does not follow a strict chronology but organizes events by themes. Consequently, we have placed the events of chapter 12 before those of chapter 9, in accordance with the chronology of Mark, generally considered to be the author writing under the dictation of the apostle Peter.
We observe that Matthew gives priority to proclaiming the message of the good news of the kingdom, followed by the miracles. He thus establishes a hierarchy of values.
Matthew highlights the will of Jesus the Messiah, who seems to indicate to the people that they should not be satisfied with a mere physical healing when it is possible to obtain the salvation of their soul. Thus, Jesus the Messiah asks those who were healed not to spread this news.