Jesus did not remain in the wilderness region of Judea after his40-day fast there, nor did he isolate himself as in a monasticlife. He recognized that his divine commission called for apreaching work, and he carried it on publicly, in cities andvillages, in the temple area, synagogues, marketplaces and streets,as well as in the countryside. (Mark 1:39; 6:56; Luke 8:1; 13:26;John 18:20)