We are surrounded by an ocean of need. As followers of Christ, we are deeply concerned. We want to help. We desire to be constructive. We want to alleviate suffering. We want to “rescue the perishing.” But let’s be frank: The prospect of actually meeting such needs seems overwhelming. And so, like the disciples, when we see those in need we are prone to “send them away.” We just don’t see any immediate solution which we can provide.

It’s not that we don’t care; we simply do not think, realistically, that that there is anything we can do about it. When the multitudes are hungry, and all we can scrounge up is a few scones and sardines, “what are they among so many?” Unless, of course, you factor in Jesus. Let’s learn from this well-known account some lessons for reaching out to those in need.