Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand

Jesus went near the Sea of Galilee and sat on a mountainside. Large crowds came to him, bringing people who could not walk well, could not see, could not speak, were injured, and many others. Jesus healed them, and the crowd marvelled. As they watched people made well, they praised the God of Israel.

After the people had stayed with him for three days, Jesus called his disciples. He said he had compassion on the crowd. They had nothing to eat, and he did not want to send them away hungry, because they might faint on the journey home. Some had come from a long distance.

The disciples asked how anyone could find enough bread in such a deserted place for so many people. Jesus asked how many loaves they had. They answered, seven, and also a few small fish. Then Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.

Jesus took the seven loaves, gave thanks, and broke them. He gave the bread to the disciples, and the disciples served the people. The small fish were served as well. Everyone ate, and everyone had enough.

After the meal, the disciples gathered the broken pieces that were left over, and they filled seven baskets. Four thousand men had eaten, besides women and children. Then Jesus sent the crowd away, got into the boat with his disciples, and left that region. How does this story show the care of Jesus for people’s real needs?