Jesus Miraculous Feed Five Thousand People

(From Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, John 6:1–14 – KJV)

Jesus had just heard of the death of John the Baptist, and He withdrew privately by ship to a desert place near Bethsaida (Luke 9:10) to rest with His disciples. But when the multitudes heard of His departure, they followed Him on foot out of the cities (Matthew 14:13).

When Jesus went forth, He saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd (Mark 6:34). He received them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, healed those who were sick (Luke 9:11), and taught them many things (Mark 6:34).

As the day wore on and it began to grow late, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals” (Mark 6:35–36, Matthew 14:15). But Jesus said unto them, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat” (Matthew 14:16). Philip answered Him, “Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little” (John 6:7).

Then Jesus asked, “How many loaves have ye? Go and see” (Mark 6:38). Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9). Jesus commanded the disciples to make the people sit down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties, upon the green grass (Mark 6:39–40, Luke 9:14). The number of the men was about five thousand, not counting women and children (Matthew 14:21).

Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and gave thanks, and brake the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before the people (Matthew 14:19, Mark 6:41, Luke 9:16, John 6:11). Likewise, He distributed the fishes to all who were seated, as much as they would (John 6:11). And they did all eat, and were filled (Matthew 14:20). When they were satisfied, Jesus said unto His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost” (John 6:12). So they gathered the remains and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves and of the fishes (John 6:13, Matthew 14:20, Mark 6:43, Luke 9:17).

When the people saw the miracle that Jesus had done, they said,

“This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world” (John 6:14).

Key Spiritual Things to Note About Jesus

1. Compassion of Christ: Jesus met both spiritual and physical needs.
2. Divine Provision: God multiplies even the smallest offerings.
3. Order & Stewardship: The crowds were organised, and nothing was wasted.
4. Recognition of the Messiah: The miracle led people to acknowledge Jesus as the Prophet foretold.