Note 3 at Mk. 6:34: Remember that the reason Jesus and His disciples were going to this remote place was to get away from the multitude for awhile and rest (Mk. 6:31). As noted in note 1 at Mark 6:31, p. 172, this rest was not optional, but rather, a necessity. Jesus and His disciples were taking a much needed vacation.

However, the multitude followed them and their vacation ended even before it began. Surely, Jesus and His disciples were just as disappointed as you or I would have been. But instead of anger or bitterness, Jesus was moved with compassion.

Later on in the evening, Jesus went up into a mountain and prayed until the fourth watch (Mk. 6:46-48--3 to 6 a.m.). The Lord intends for us to take care of these physical bodies as can be seen by Jesus' actions in taking His disciples aside for rest. But when this purpose was frustrated by the demands of the ministry, Jesus gave priority to the spirit man and stayed up all night praying and getting that spiritual rest He was needing. We should follow His example and always put the needs of the spirit ahead of the needs of the flesh (Jn. 6:63).