The Feeding of the Five Thousand

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

13 When Jesus heard [about John], He withdrew by boat 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 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 fed, besides women and children.