This verse shows that Jesus indeed withdrew from the threatening Pharisees but that he did not at all withdraw himself from his people Israel. On the contrary, precisely in these days he occupies himself with the entire people. He also humbly offers his service to the people. When with their large numbers they come so close that they threaten to crush him he tells his disciples to prepare a little boat for him. This piece of information shows how the Saviour moved as man among the people. With one word he could have made the crowd step back, but in humility he prefers to be among them and arranges the preparation of a boat along the coast to deal with the emergency.1
9 Il chargea ses disciples de tenir toujours à sa disposition une petite barque, afin de ne pas être pressé par la foule.