The Feeding of the Five Thousand

After the apostles report their work, Jesus withdraws privately, but the crowds find him and receive his teaching and healing. When the disciples want the people sent away, Jesus tells them to give food instead, then blesses the loaves and fish so that all eat and plenty remains.

T¹⁰hen the apostles returned and reported to Jesus all that they had done. Taking them away privately, He withdrew to a town called Bethsaida. ¹¹But 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. ¹²As 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.” ¹³But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” ¹⁴“We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” (There were about five thousand men.) ¹⁵He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” They did so, and everyone was seated. ¹⁶Taking 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. ¹⁷They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.