The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.’ For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. (Mark 6: 30-32)

In Matthew leaving for a deserted place is motivated by news of John's death. In Luke the deserted place is identified as being across the Sea of Galilee beyond the rule of Antipas. Based on these gospels many scholars perceive that Jesus responded to the execution of his baptizer by trying to step out of public view.

But in Mark the motivation is the return of the apostles from their two-by-two mission. The purpose is to rest and to escape the expectations of the crowd. In this gospel the trip across the lake is yet to come.

Motivation is difficult to assess. Some see fear. Others perceive leisure. But the gospels agree that Jesus and a few of his disciples sought out a quiet place apart. The gospels also agree that while they intended - for whatever reason - to engage in a retreat, this intention would not be achieved.