Story 32
Feeding the Five Thousand
Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44;
Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15
The Bridge: Jesus sent His disciples out to heal the sick and preach that men should repent (Mark 6:12). When they returned, they reported the amazing things that had happened. Jesus said to them “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat)” (Mark 6:31).
The Story:
- A huge crowd of people followed Jesus and the disciples up to the hills because they wanted to hear what Jesus had to say. It was late in the afternoon, so the disciples suggested that Jesus send the crowds away because they were in a desolate place and there was no food.
- Jesus told the disciples not to send them away, but to get food and feed the people. They replied that it would take 200 days wages to feed that many people (Mark 6:35-37).
- Jesus asked them, “How much food do you have?” All that they found was five loaves and two fish that belonged to a young boy Andrew found.
- Jesus told the people to sit down. Then He looked up and asked God’s blessing on the food. He then broke the loaves and fish and gave them to His disciples.
- His disciples passed out the loaves and the fish. They fed 5000 men and all the people were filled. There were 12 baskets of leftovers collected (Mark 6:42-44).
(Remember how God provided the quail and manna in the wilderness?)
What does this story tell you about Jesus?
