Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead he withdrew to a region near the desert, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.
We do not know for certain the exact whereabouts of Ephraim, but it was probably near Bethel (2 Chron 13:19), about 15 miles to the north of Jerusalem, in the remote, mountainous country bordering the desert where Jesus was tempted. His time had not yet come and Jesus knew exactly what He was to do and when. How? (John 8:29)
2 Chronicles 13:19 Abijah pursued Jeroboam and took from him the towns of Bethel, Jeshanah and Ephron, with their surrounding villages.
John 8:29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.”
Since he was not far here from the place the devil tempted him to bow His knee and receive the kingdoms of heaven, Robertson wonders, “Is it mere fancy to imagine that the devil came to see Jesus again here at this juncture with a reminder of his previous offer and of the present plight of the Son of God with the religious leaders conspiring his death?” (RWP)
At any rate, in this most difficult time, Jesus has His disciples spend the time with Him. I am not sure who benefitted the most from this.