Four Months of Training the Six 

Jesus decided to not interfere with the work of John the Baptist to allow him to accomplish his announcement of the coming kingdom. Jesus wisely patiently trained his first six apostles so they grew in confidence, and then had them teach the next six men that they chose as apostles. He also trained his brother James for future work. Jesus' deliberate and thoughtful approach to leadership and development often left those around him in wonder and occasionally in doubt.

Jesus had selected his first six apostles and held over one hundred teaching sessions with them. He also included his brothers James and Jude, but Jude had to bow out due to sickness in their family. This was a time of relative inactivity, hardly capitalizing on the miracle at the wedding at Cana and divine communication at his baptism. This period of seemingly inactivity lasted four months, from March through June, 26 CE. His mother Mary hope for her firstborn son was at a low point. She was bewildered by his walking away from the acclaim, and simply could not understand him. James’ wife encouraged her, hearing from James who attended his classes and still had faith in his older brother.

The seven believers at first called Jesus "Rabbi." But they were getting to know him better and began to see him less as a religious authority and as someone they didn’t need to be afraid of. He was so much like them, and yet so perfect. He was relatable, like a true friend, yet so God-like. This was not the God of the burning bush, whom Moses dared not to even look upon. He was someone who was easy to be around and to spend time with him. Jesus had a grace that drew people to him.

During the day, they went about their ordinary work, and at night they sat at Jesus’ feet. It was Jesus’ matchless personality and his compassionate words that held them together during this uneventful time. Simon Peter was especially perplexed and asked Jesus to begin preaching in Galilee while John covered Judea. Jesus called for his patience and encouraged Peter to make progress. Peter’s older brother Andrew calmed Peter with his sage counsel. Andrew would often ponder on the naturalness of Jesus, on how he could live so near to God and fit in so well with men, ever patient and considerate.

Jesus remained inconspicuous. He spoke in the synagogue twice. He let his miraculous acts become yesterday’s news. He performed no miracles and lived quietly. The spies of Herod Antipas had reported on Cana and his baptism, but then nothing. Herod decided to leave Jesus alone and go after John the Baptist who was more controversial and making a stir.

Jesus explained his approach toward the existing religious and political factions in Palestine to his six apostles, clarifying that his mission sought to engage all groups without aligning specifically with any. At that time, significant groups included the Pharisees, comprised of scribes and rabbis; the Sadducees, representing the priesthood and affluent Jews; the Essenes, a strict religious sect formed during the Maccabean revolt; the Zealots, advocates of extreme measures for liberation from Rome; the Herodians, supporters of Herodian rule to lessen Roman oppression; and the Samaritans, who, despite similarities to Jewish teachings, were ostracized by the Jews. Smaller groups like the Nazarite brotherhood also awaited a Messiah to fulfill nationalistic hopes akin to those for a new Judas Maccabeus.

However, Jesus was not to be such a Messiah. His dominion was established in the hearts of humanity, fostering joy and spiritual allegiance. He introduced a kingdom based on faith, transcending earthly realms, characterized by love, compassion, and sympathy. Jesus prepared his followers for a mission to transform human souls, not to conquer through traditional earthly power.

They paused their preparations for public ministry to study the Hebrew scriptures in the synagogue, emphasizing practical understanding rather than overwhelming them with excessive doctrine. This period, rich in learning and personal growth, later became cherished by the apostles as a foundational time of closeness and instruction with Jesus, reminiscent of a treasured phase of youth.