Charles Spurgeon Commentary John 11:54

"Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed thence into the country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim; and there he tarried with the disciples." — John 11:54 (ASV)

We do not find that he performed miracles there or preached, but in a holy and devout retirement, perhaps he prepared his mind for the last great week—the week of his passion and his death.

It is generally best for us to imitate him in this. And when we have some great work to do—something that will need all the grace we can get—it is well to make a retreat (that is, to get into retirement), and school the heart, and seek to drink in fresh strength, that we may be prepared for what lies before us.