The story of Jesus multiplying the loaves and fishes is a famous miracle that demonstrates Jesus’ compassion and power. This event, where Jesus feeds a large crowd with only a few loaves of bread and fish, is found in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John).
The Setting and the Problem
Bible Verse: John 6:1-5
“Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee… A great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?'”
Jesus and his disciples were near the Sea of Galilee, and a large crowd had followed them because of Jesus’ healing miracles. Jesus saw the crowd and realized they would need food.
A Boy’s Small Offering
Bible Verse: John 6:8-9
“Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?'”
A boy in the crowd had five small barley loaves and two small fish. Andrew, one of Jesus’ disciples, brought this to Jesus’ attention, though he was unsure how such a small amount of food could feed so many people.
The Miracle of Multiplication
Bible Verse: John 6:10-11
“Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.”
Jesus instructed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the loaves and fish, gave thanks, and began to distribute the food. Miraculously, there was enough for everyone with plenty left over.
The Significance of the Miracle
Bible Verse: John 6:14
“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.'”
This miracle showed Jesus’ divine power and care for the people. It was a sign that He was the promised Prophet and the Son of God, capable of doing things beyond human ability.