Mark has been presenting Jesus as the rightful King, long exiled, now returning to reclaim territory lost in the Fall. Although Jesus had clearly displayed Himself as the rightful King (through healings, giving life, and displaying power over the creation), the people failed to see His identity with some seeing Jesus as a new prophet and others wanting to make him King by force (John 6:14-15). Jesus wanted the disciples to not make this mistake so He bringing about an event that will change the way they saw Jesus forever.