Mediterranean Vacation or Faith Encounter?

In an attempt to escape the constant badgering by temple leaders and lawyers, Jesus retreats to the Mediterranean seaside. There he encounters a woman and her sick child. Jesus wants little to do with her and her sick child, yet her persistence forced Jesus to face his prejudice and acknowledge her strong faith. Did this encounter serve as a watershed event which re-energized his ministry before he travelled to Jerusalem? At the very least, he refocused his energies and rededicated himself to the overriding purpose of his ministry, seeking God's kingdom in the here and now.