Matthew interprets Jesus’ withdrawal as the fulfillment of Isaiah 42:1-4 which emphasizes that Messiah’s ministry will be Holy Spirit empowered, non-combative, expanded to include Gentiles and ultimately successful.

Jesus shifts from persuading the nation to liberating individuals from the bondage of Pharisaical Judaism in order that they may truly know God and experience His life of soul-rest (11:27-30).

The campaign may have taken well over a year as the goal was to reach every town and village in all Israel. The Pharisees have begun a counter-campaign likely utilizing the network of synagogues to spread their lie. The lie: Jesus is empowered by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, not the Holy Spirit of Yahweh.

Everything between 10:5 through 11:1 pertains to this Big Push to evangelize all the towns and villages of Israel. It is likely this campaign lasted many months or more, possibly a year. Jesus will go to those towns/villages the disciples discover are favorable
to Him.

To repent means "to change one’s mind". About what does Jesus call the Jews to repent? Jesus calls His fellow Jews to change their minds about whom they are following. He calls them to follow the new wine of His teachings and to turn away from the old wine of the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus calls His fellow Jews to change their minds about whom they are following. He calls them to follow the new wine of His teachings and to turn away from the old wine of the scribes and Pharisees.

Jesus proved He has authority to forgive a person’s sins. Sin includes all the ways we fail to love and honor God, our fellow man and all the ways we violate God’s revealed will. Our sin separates us from God. Forgiveness of our sins restores us to God. Do you need forgiveness?

Scribes were highly educated, highly trained in reading, writing, record keeping and in copying the Scriptures. They were considered experts in the Law (Torah). The scribe expressed his desire to join Jesus on this trip across the Lake.