The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; John 6:1–15)

10 Then the apostles returned [and] reported to [Jesus] all that they had done. Taking them {away} privately, He withdrew to a deserted place of the city[fn] called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds found out [and] followed Him. He welcomed them [and] spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who needed healing.

12 As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to [Jesus] [and] said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.”

13 But [Jesus] told them, “You give them something to eat.”

“We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go [and] buy food for all these people.” 14 ( There were about five thousand men.)

He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of[fn] fifty {each}.” 15 They did so, and everyone was seated.

16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish [and] looking up to heaven, [Jesus] spoke a blessing and broke them. Then He gave [them] to the disciples to set before the people.

17 They all ate and were satisfied, and [the disciples] picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.