The disciples' were likely leaving the western shoreline where the feeding of the 5,000 took place and heading across the lake to Bethsaida. The last time Jesus sent them across the lake to the other side, he was with them as they faced a storm. This time, Jesus sent them on their own across the lake while he went up on the mountain side to pray. From this elevated place, he was able to watch them fight and battle the winds. What were the disciples thinking this time? Last time they were able to wake Jesus up to save them but he is not physically there with them this time. The geographic timeline of events in this passage is curious as they set out to cross to Bethsaida on the other side, and then after the winds and encounter with Jesus end up back in Gennesaret on the western shore. Maybe the winds shifted or maybe they simply decided to go back. It's possible that Jesus never intended for them to make it to Bethsaida but that this journey was simply about building their faith and his encounter with them on the water.

Read the article, "Why Were People Healed from Touching Jesus' Clothes" below to better understand the Old Testament significance of the corners or fringe of a garment and the tassels.