John Calvin Commentary Matthew 14:23

"And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone." — Matthew 14:23 (ASV)

He went up into a mountain alone. It is probable that the Son of God, who was fully aware of the tempest that was coming, did not neglect the safety of his disciples in his prayers. Yet, we naturally wonder why he did not prevent the danger rather than engage in prayer. But in fulfilling all the parts of his office as Mediator, he showed himself to be God and man, and exhibited proofs of both natures as opportunities occurred. Though he had all things at his disposal, he showed himself to be a man by praying; and this he did not do hypocritically, but manifested sincere and human affection towards us. In this manner, his divine majesty was concealed for a time but was afterwards displayed at the proper time.

In going up into the mountain, he did this for the sake of convenience, so that he might have more leisure for praying when removed from all noise. We know how easily the slightest interruptions destroy the ardor of prayer, or at least cause it to languish and cool. Though Christ was in no danger of this fault, yet he intended to warn us by his example that we should be exceedingly careful to use every assistance for setting our minds free from all the snares of the world, so that we may look directly towards heaven.

In this respect, solitude has a powerful influence, inclining those who engage in prayer, when God is their only witness, to be more on their guard, to pour their heart into his bosom, to be more diligent in self-examination, and, in a word—remembering that they are before God—to rise above themselves.

At the same time, it should be noted that he did not lay down a fixed rule, as if we are never permitted to pray except in solitude. For Paul instructs us to pray everywhere, lifting up clean hands, (1 Timothy 2:8); and Christ himself sometimes prayed in the presence of others and even instructed his disciples to assemble for social prayer. But this permission to pray in all places does not prevent them from engaging in secret prayer at appropriate times.