And after bidding them farewell, He went up the mountain to pray.
This verse opens one of the deep aspects of Jesus’ life: His prayerful communion with the Father. After the miracle and the people’s excitement, and after sending the disciples away, He withdraws and goes up the mountain to pray. This teaches that even after the greatest ministry, a person has an even greater need to be alone with God. Christ, although He was the Son of God, throughout His earthly life continually shows His communion with and obedience to the Father’s will. If He acted in this way, how much more must we, ordinary mortals, go to that “mountain” of prayer in every stage of our life and service. This quiet withdrawal also prepares for the next episode: while the disciples were about to find themselves in a storm, the Lord was in prayer. This is a great comfort, reminding us that in the time of our trials, Christ’s care and intercession do not cease.