I like to call it the multiplication of bread, but as you may already know, fish was also included in the miracle in question. In Matthew 14, we are told about this extraordinary event where Jesus fed thousands. But first, let’s see what happened moments before it took place.
“So, John (The Baptist) was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.” Matthew 14:10-13
The Bible doesn’t say, but I suppose Jesus wanted to be alone to pray and mourn the death of His cousin, John the Baptist. He might have wanted to reflect as well on His own death coming soon. Nevertheless, Jesus taught and healed the crowds who were pursuing Him. When it got too late, He didn’t want to send them away to find food, so He blessed the five loaves of bread and the two fish the disciples had received from a generous little boy.
Then He broke them into pieces, and the disciples served 5,000 men, in addition to their families. Though it’s referred to as the feeding of the 5,000, a total of 15 to 20,000 people were fed that day. Everyone ate their fill, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers afterward. On another occasion, Jesus repeated this miracle by feeding four thousand men plus the women and children with seven loaves of bread and a few fish. But let’s focus on the 5000 feeding event.
Did you know that besides the resurrection, the feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle reported by all four Gospels? It can be found in Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:31–44, Luke 9:12–17, and John 6:1–14. Of the four, the Apostle John is the only one who mentioned that the food belonged to a young boy. Otherwise, we would not have known how the food ended up in Jesus’s hands.
Also, do you realize that through this miracle, Jesus touched the people in multiple ways? He challenged their minds and their hearts by teaching them marvelous things about His Father and His kingdom. At the same time, He made them feel seen and valued by giving up his desire to be alone and be there for them. Instead of being comforted in his anguish, He welcomed the crowds, showing them compassion and love. I imagine those who get the chance telling Him about their problems and Him intentionally listening to them. He relieved their suffering bodies by healing their diseases and casting out their demons. Last but not least, he filled their starving stomachs, and everyone had more than enough. In these special moments, Jesus was the perfect representation of His name, Jehovah Jireh: the God who provides. He gave more than just food. He provided everything the people needed at the moment. Isn’t He Amazing? Yes, my God is simply amazing!
That evening the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves.”
But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”
“But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” they answered.
“Bring them here,” he said. Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children! Matthew 14:15-21
Just as Jesus provided for these people supernaturally, He can do the same for the ones who seek and trust Him today. But I can’t just leave it there. My mind goes further and wonders. Maybe yours will too, after this question. Concerning the 12 baskets of leftovers, did the disciples borrow empty ones from the crowds, or did Jesus just multiply baskets as needed? Hmm…Maybe one day we will know when we get to see Him.
By Nissi, on 04-09-25
