Sometimes we are very slow learners, especially when it comes to faith.  The disciples had just been away on mission: preaching, healing sick people and expelling demons (Luke 9:1-6).  They had reported back to Jesus about all the wonderful things that they had done in His Name, and Jesus took them to Bethsaida (Luke 9:10-11) – the fishing village where Andrew, Peter and Philip had grown up (John 1:44).  However, the crowds followed.  Once again, the trainee apostles were surrounded by people who had come to listen to Jesus.

By the end of the day, which the Twelve probably thought was to be their post-mission 'rest day', they came to Jesus supposing to express concern for the crowd's welfare.  But the exhausted disciples probably just wanted the day to finish and the crowds to go away.  There were no shops or guest houses nearby and as the evening approached, the disciples dared to instruct Jesus to send the people away so that they could find food and accommodation.  

It is never wise to tell Jesus what to do.  In response, He told them what to do.  He commanded them to feed the people. It was a test - possibly to see how much they had learned during their time on mission.  Jesus already knew what He would do (John 6:6).  They replied that it would be impossible to feed so many.  In their minds, five loaves and two fish could never feed five thousand men, and the cost of ordering food would have been prohibitive; and anyway, there was nowhere locally which could supply such a large quantity.  Alas, they had reverted to thinking naturally.  Even though they had been doing amazing miracles with Jesus' authority just a few days previously, they were now incapable of seeing that Jesus had given them authority to feed the crowd miraculously.

Are we not also infected with the disease of spiritual short-sightedness?  Even though we may have experienced the amazing power of God, the next moment we can easily revert to natural thinking.  We cannot see what God wants to do through us, we do not realise that Christ's command is accompanied by His power, and we fail to grow in faith as we give up on the spiritual challenge (Matthew 17:20).  Sometimes, like the disciples, we can be more motivated by relieving our tiredness, getting back in control and fulfilling our self-interest - than seeing challenges as God's opportunity to demonstrate His powerful Kingdom, and teach us lessons in the school of faith.  The disciples did not do well with that test of faith: but we have been given their bad example to read, so that we do not make the same mistakes.  So, when the Lord asks us to do something - instead of telling Him it is impossible, ask Him how to do it and move forwards in faith (John 2:5).