The Apostles had come back from their preaching tour, and Jesus felt they needed a break to relax and reflect. So they went off in a boat to a secluded place, but alas for them they were spotted.

The people guessed where they were headed for, and hurried to the place ahead of them. As they landed, Jesus saw a large crowd waiting. "He took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and He set Himself to teach them at some length."

This is typical of Jesus. He makes His plans, but is always ready to change them when the needs of others demand this. We see it at Cana: "My time has not yet come" - but He provides the wine. We see it with the Canaanite woman: "I am sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel" - but He heals her daughter. We see it here: He wanted a quiet time with His apostles - but He teaches the crowds instead.

We need something of this charitable flexibility. If we aim to be of service to others, we must be ready to respond to their needs precisely when they are in need. This will often mean changing our own plans, but unless we are prepared to inconvenience ourselves we have to ask if we are really serving the needs of others or simply our own needs.