NOTES for Mar 3:7-12
Having studied Jesus' movements through Palestine, some Gospel scholars have concluded that He made His journeys at the most difficult time of day - in the height of the day's heat. Because it was precisely at this time of day that it would have been hardest to receive His Word. It is clear that during the last three years of His life the Lord devoted Himself entirely to people who needed His words and healing. But while caring for others, Christ also saw the limits of His human capabilities. We see how He alternates complete self-giving in the loud crowd of those in need with quiet prayer to the Father in a secluded place.
In this passage Jesus asks the disciples to prepare a boat in which He could move a little away from those listening, so that they would not crowd Him so closely. This moment is striking in the amazing humanity of our Lord, who, tired of the crowd, acknowledges this to Himself and finds a way both to preach and at the same time to be apart from the people.