🍞 The Feeding Miracles of Jesus
Two separate events where Jesus multiplied food for massive crowds — showing divine provision, compassion, and authority.
📖 1. Feeding of the 5,000
📚 Matthew 14:13–21 | Mark 6:30–44 | John 6:1–14
🔹 Setting:
Jesus had just heard about the death of John the Baptist and withdrew to a quiet place.
A large crowd followed Him on foot from the towns.
It was springtime (John says “the Passover was near”).
🧍♂️ About 5,000 men, not counting women and children — possibly 15,000–20,000 total people.
🔹 What Did Jesus Do?
1. He had compassion on them (Matt 14:14; Mark 6:34)
“They were like sheep without a shepherd.”
2. He healed their sick (Matt 14:14)
So not only their stomachs — but their bodies.
3. Taught them many things (Mark 6:34)
He didn’t rush — He cared for their soul and body.
🔹 The Problem:
Evening was approaching, and the disciples said:
“Send the people away so they can buy food” (Matt 14:15)
Jesus replied:
“You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37)
🔹 The Supply:
5 barley loaves & 2 small fish (John 6:9)
– brought by a young boy.
🔹 The Miracle:
Jesus told the people to sit down in groups on the grass.
Mark says green grass (springtime in Galilee).
He took the loaves, looked up to heaven, blessed and broke them.
Gave to the disciples, and they gave it to the people.
Everyone ate — and was satisfied.
They collected 12 baskets full of leftovers.
🔹 The Reaction:
John 6:14:
“When the people saw the sign He had done, they said, ‘This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.’”
📖 2. Feeding of the 4,000
📚 Matthew 15:32–39 | Mark 8:1–10
🔹 Setting:
This took place in a remote wilderness area, after three days of crowds following Him.
This miracle happened after the feeding of the 5,000 — a separate event.
🔹 The Crowd:
4,000 men, plus women and children — again, easily 10,000+ people.
They had nothing to eat, and some had come from far away.
🔹 What Did Jesus Do?
He called His disciples and said:
“I have compassion on the crowd... they’ve been with Me for 3 days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they’ll collapse.” (Matt 15:32; Mark 8:2–3)
🔹 The Supply:
7 loaves of bread
A few small fish
🔹 The Miracle:
Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the ground.
He gave thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to His disciples.
The disciples handed it to the people.
Everyone ate and was satisfied.
They collected 7 large baskets of leftovers.
🔑 Comparison Table
Detail Feeding of the 5,000 Feeding of the 4,000
Gospels Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 6 Matthew 15, Mark 8
Location Near Bethsaida (Galilee), grassy area Wilderness (possibly Decapolis region)
Time Near Passover (springtime) After 3 days of teaching
Number of people 5,000 men + women/children 4,000 men + women/children
Food available 5 loaves, 2 fish (from a boy) 7 loaves, a few small fish
Blessed by Jesus? Yes Yes
Leftovers collected 12 baskets 7 baskets
Main lesson God provides in abundance Jesus has compassion for the weary
🕊️ Spiritual Meaning (from Matthew, Mark, and John):
God can take what little we have and multiply it.
Jesus cares about physical needs, not just spiritual ones.
The number 12 (baskets) may reflect Israel (12 tribes).
The number 7 (baskets) may point to fullness and completeness — possibly the Gentile nations.
Jesus is greater than Moses — He gives bread from heaven (John 6).