And as they were leaving Jericho, a great crowd followed them.
Leaving Jericho symbolizes the road toward Jerusalem, where Jesus knowingly and willingly goes to the cross, bringing the end of His earthly ministry near. The following of a great crowd shows the outward impact of His ministry and the broad interest His words and deeds had stirred up. This verse prepares the next episode by showing that even on the way to the cross Christ continues to meet human need and the cry of faith.