At this point Jesus returns to his statement from 3 Nephi 17:2; “I perceive that ye are weak…” The people would not leave on their own accord. Regardless of how tired they might be, they would not have willingly left Jesus presence. Therefore it was “for your sakes” that Jesus must leave and initiate the separation. However, he had also indicated earlier that he would return on the morrow, so this departure was only for a short time.