As the disciples had seen the success of their labors, they were in danger of taking credit to themselves, in danger of cherishing spiritual pride, and thus falling under Satan's temptations. A great work was before them, and first of all they must learn that their strength was not in self, but in God. Like Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, like David among the hills of Judea, or Elijah by the brook Cherith, the disciples needed to come apart from the scenes of their busy activity, to commune with Christ, with nature, and with their own hearts.

Da disciplene havde set, hvor godt deres gerning lykkedes, var der fare for, at de kunne komme til at stole på sig selv, fare for, at de skulle komme til at nære åndeligt hovmod og således falde for Satans fristelser. Der lå en stor gerning foran dem, og allerførst måtte de lære, at deres kraft ikke stammede fra dem selv, men fra Gud. Ligesom Moses i Sinaj ørken, ligesom David i Judæas bjerge eller Elias ved bækken Krit trængte disciplene til at komme bort fra skuepladsen for deres virksomhed for at være ene med Jesus, med naturen og med deres eget hjerte.