Jesus take on this mood, was that they were like sheep without a shepherd. He has compassion on them- and a part of that seems to be because he recognises a futility in their lives. They're a bit directionless. He's made a stir by teaching in a way they have not heard, driving demons out of people and doing miraculous healings- and they're running after him like a rock band's groupies (except with less loyalty- the fame seems to be the thing, not the substance behind the man- although in that there probably not that different to groupies).
So the disciples needs here, give way to the needs of the more needy. A pretty good example of the need for action and response.
Perhaps the silence surrounding what happened on their little adventures is another pointer towards the authenticity of the account. There are no trips off to Germany and the goths all becoming followers – in a sort of Asterix and Obelix adventure. It fits.
I wonder if Peter's personality was part of it- not wanting to trumpet his own achievements (he seemed to have a keen awareness of some of his shortcomings- Go away from me Lord – I imagine master or sir would actually be the better translation here- 'for I am a sinful man'. And three years with a man who you looked up to like no other- who was often going on about letting the children come to him- unless you accept God's rule like one of these you can't enter into it, the first shall be last and the last first, the meek shall inherit the earth, having your feet washed by him. And then Peter's own story- so publicly disowning him- and then the grace he received in being restored- all that would leave its mark.
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