Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 1:35

"And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed." — Mark 1:35 (ASV)

Jesus, after a busy evening of healing and exorcisms, got up early the next morning and sought a quiet place to pray (cf. 6:46; 14:32–41). He was facing a crisis—the shallow and superficial response of the people who were only interested in what he could do to heal their physical afflictions. So he sought the strength that only communion and fellowship with the Father could provide.

The disciples did not understand Jesus or his need for communion with the Father, so they went to look for him. Apparently they thought Jesus would be pleased to know that everyone was looking for him (v.37). They did not understand that this popular and shallow reception of him was the very reason he withdrew to pray.