Jesus Feeds 5,000
Jesus Provides
Matthew 14:13-21about 2 minutes to read aloud
A great crowd followed Jesus to a quiet place. Five thousand men, besides women and children. He had compassion on them. He healed the sick. He taught them about the kingdom of God.
When the sun began to sink, the disciples came to Him. "Send the people away so they can buy food in the villages. It is getting late." Jesus said, "They do not need to go. You give them something to eat."
The disciples were puzzled. "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish here." It was a boy's lunch. "Bring them to me," Jesus said.
He had the people sit down on the green grass in groups of fifty. He took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven. He gave thanks. He broke the bread.
He gave the pieces to His disciples. They went to the people. Bread kept coming. Fish kept coming. Every family ate, and ate, and was filled.
When they were done, Jesus said, "Gather the pieces. Let nothing be wasted." They filled twelve baskets with leftover bread. Five loaves and two fish had fed more than five thousand. He is the Lord who provides.
Questions to talk about
How much food did they start with?
Show the answer
They started with five loaves of bread and two fish — a boy's small lunch.
What did Jesus do before breaking the bread?
Show the answer
He looked up to heaven and gave thanks to the Father.
How many baskets of leftovers did they gather?
Show the answer
They gathered twelve baskets of leftover pieces.
The lesson
Five loaves in the hands of Jesus are enough for thousands. He is the Bread of Life, and He gives generously.
