Mark 9.30 indicates that the group left the region of Caesarea Philippi and is now traveling through Galilee. According to Matthew 17.24, they probably returned to the region of Capernaum. We know that on Thursday, October 7, AD 32, the Messiah Jesus will be in Jerusalem for the Feast of (John 7.2), after leaving Galilee around October 3, AD 32. This departure marks the end of their stay in this region. Although the Messiah Jesus is aware of what awaits him, the disciples still have difficulty fully grasping the situation. They do not envisage a tragic outcome.
We estimate that the group returned to Capernaum at the end of August, or at the latest at the beginning of September. For a period of two weeks, they will travel through the region of Galilee, probably in the area of Capernaum.
The Messiah Jesus now focuses his attention on his disciples, giving them specific teachings (Mark 9.31). He seeks to avoid the crowd (Mark 9.30), which suggests that his ministry in Galilee is drawing to a close. He is thus preparing his disciples for his imminent death. The eight remaining months of his ministry will take place in Judea and Samaria.
The disciples did not understand the Master’s words about his death and resurrection (Mark 8.32, Luke 9.45). They will make the connection after these events.
The disciples did not question the Master about his coming death, according to Mark 9.32 and Luke 9.45. Matthew 17.27 mentions only the sadness of the disciples, which indicates that they understood that a tragedy was in the making without grasping the details. Given the welcome the crowds had given him in Galilee, it was hard to imagine an assassination. However, the religious opposition in Judea, especially in Jerusalem, was much stronger than in Galilee.