So why did Jesus head out to a desolate place to pray alone? Just prior to this he spent the day healing people and casting out demons. It is interesting to think about what is not mentioned. It does not say that many came to hear his message. They came to be physically healed.
In the ministry of John the Baptist, the people came to hear the message. John was baptizing, he was not healing people, but they still came out. We know the Gospels speak of Jesus disciples baptizing people so we know this was also part of Jesus’ ministry.
It is possible that Jesus was disappointed that his physically healings were more important to the people than his message. He needed encouragement from the Father. We know Jesus had compassion for the sick, yet he decides to take his ministry to desolate places or be stormed by many people seeking miracles.
Some of this is conjecture. Mark does not give us the actual thoughts on in the mind of Jesus, just the actions. However, I can be just like these people seeking Jesus for what he can do for me, and not for the real good news of just knowing him. Sure, he has compassion on me and will answer my supplications, but is he discouraged that I don’t seek him for him?
Mark 1:35-39
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