This miracle is told in every Gospel (Mark even tells it twice!) The details vary, but all of the accounts describe the disciples telling Jesus that it is a hopeless situation and there’s nothing they – or he – can do about it.
The problem was that the disciples couldn’t go beyond their own expectations. We know how the story ends, and so we know what a mistake it was for them to confine themselves within such narrow boundaries.
We sometimes confine ourselves within expectations that are too narrow because they depend solely on what we can accomplish on our own. Can I be a better person? Can the hungry of our world be fed? Can we eliminate war? Can racism be overcome? Can women achieve equality? And most of all…can I really do anything to make any of this happen?
The answer is: Yes. Simply put God in the equation.
To shake me out of my limited expectations, I need to hear God say to me, “[Your name], I expect a little more out of you. And I’ll help you do it.”
It can be helpful to sort out these three titles: (1) Disciples, (2) The Twelve, (3) Apostles
Disciple: This is from a Greek word that means “one who is taught, a learner, the follower of a master.” In the Gospels the word designates those specifically called by Jesus to follow him, and who actually traveled with him. Some of them were women. It is not known how many disciples there were. Luke, in his Gospel, speaks of Jesus sending 70+ disciples to preach, but it is assumed that there were more than this.
The Twelve: From among the "disciples" Jesus chose a distinct group to become "the Twelve: -- symbolizing the 12 tribes of Israel in the new covenant. Their names are listed in three of the Gospels and in the Acts of the Apostles, although there are some variations in the lists.
Apostle: This is from a Greek word that means “to send officially” as, for example, an ambassador. The term applies to “The Twelve,” but goes beyond them – apparently designating those specially “sent.” Paul, for example, calls himself an apostle. In his letter to the Romans, he also refers to a woman as an apostle: “Greet Andronicus and Junia…they are prominent among the apostles.” (John, in his Gospel, never uses “Apostle.”
Luke, in the Acts of the Apostles, is the first to extend the term “disciple” to refer to people who became Christians after Christ’s death and resurrection.