Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 14:13-21; 15:32-39; Mark 6:33-44; 8:1-10; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
Fast Facts
- The miraculous feeding of the 5,000 is found in all four the gospels. There was a separate occasion when Jesus fed 4,000.
- The word language “5,000 men” means adult males. The actual number of people fed could have been tripled (when you count the women and children present).
- Jesus fed the 5,000 near Bethsaida in Galilee. He fed the 4,000 several months later in Decapolis ( a region on the southeast side of the Sea of Galilee). Both of these miracles seemed to have taken place during the last year of Jesus’ life.
- With both miracles, Jesus multiplied a few fish and loaves of bread. After eating, the multitudes left satisfied. They were even enough for leftovers!
- After feeding the 5,000, the people said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world” (John 6:14). They then intended to take Him by force and make Him a king. Jesus withdrew from the crowd and went to a mountain to pray.
Study Questions
- What moved Jesus to feed the multitudes?
- How did the 5,000 respond to the miracle they experienced from Jesus?
- Where in the Old Testament, does God perform a similar miracle? How long did God perform this miracle among Israel?
- How much food was left following each of the miracles? Why do you think the leftovers were collected?
- What were these miracles designed to prove about Jesus?
