The Other Side (Of the Sea of Galilee)

And when Jesus was passed over again by ship unto the other side, much people gathered unto him: and he was nigh unto the sea. Mark 5:21

In Yeshua’s day the shore of the Galilee was divided into two major population areas. “We” lived on this side, “they” (the Gentiles) lived on the other side. If “we” went “there,” we became defiled.

The shore line was also divided into four political zones controlled by leaders appointed by Rome called “Tetrarchs.” (Luke 3:1) There was a tax collector stationed at the entry to each political zone. People often went “to the other side” by boat to avoid the tax.

Herod Antipas ruled “our” side of the Sea. He had killed John and was trying to capture Yeshua. When Yeshua healed on "our" side of the Sea He said: “Don’t tell anyone.” (Matthew 8:4) On the “other side” Yeshua said: “Go tell your neighbors.” (Luke 8:39)

(Lash, Neil & Jamie., “Jewels From the Journey,” Jewish Jewels, Ft. Lauderdale, FL., pg 7