The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, John 6:1–15)

When Jesus heard [about John], He withdrew by boat vvv privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out [about it] [and] followed Him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus[fn] stepped ashore [and] saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 

When evening came, His disciples[fn] came to Him [and] said,“This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages [and] buy themselves some food.”

16 

“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied“You give them [something] to eat.”

17 

We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered

18 

“Bring them here to Me,” [Jesus] said. 19 And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish [and] looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves [and] gave [them] to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the people.

20 

vvv They all ate and were satisfied, and [the disciples] picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 About five thousand men were vvv fed, besides women and children.

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