And they withdrew by boat to a deserted place by themselves.
Their withdrawing to a deserted place was not only a physical separation from the crowd, but also time for restoration, prayer, and inner rest. In the Gospel, deserted places often become the places where a person can hear God’s voice more clearly and be freed from the noise of the world. Yet, as we will see in the following verses, even this attempt at rest will be interrupted because of the people’s need. Nevertheless, Christ’s intention is seen here: to care for the spiritual and physical condition of His disciples. They do all this in obedience to the Lord’s guidance, which shows that even rest should be received as a step of obedience to the will of God.