Nobody could blame the disciples for their concern. It had been a long and exhausting day. People from all over the countryside had followed Jesus with their aches and pains. Rather than retreat or rest, the gospel of Matthew tells us that Jesus sat there and saved all of them, one at a time.

Meanwhile his twelve followers were overwhelmed by the need. It was getting late, and all they could see was a long line of needy people who would not go away. “Lord,” they said, “there isn’t enough food to go around. Send these people away so they can get something to eat.”

Here is a story we can understand. The needs of the world are overwhelming. What can we do? Where would we start? Our resources are so limited and the needs are so great. A third of the world’s people are starving for food. Man…