Part 19 of 35 Five loaves and two fish
A huge crowd followed Jesus to a hillside by the Sea of Galilee, and there was nowhere to buy food for so many people. Andrew said: "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?" (John 6:9).
Jesus had the people sit down on the grass, about five thousand men. He took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God and shared them out. Everyone ate as much as they wanted, and the leftovers filled twelve baskets (John 6:10–13).
Later Jesus said: "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35).
Imagined The pavilion
There are no prices here. People bring what they have grown or made and take what they need, and there are always baskets left over.
Real world Sharing in our world
Food banks collect food that would otherwise go to waste and give it to families who need it. In many neighborhoods, small "little free pantries" let anyone leave food or take some, no questions asked.
Art In this artwork
The illustration shows a small open marble pavilion with a gold canopy roof and baskets of fruit and flowers.
Look closer
- Find the baskets of fruit.
- What else is in the pavilion?
Think about it
- What did the boy share, and what did Jesus do with it?
- What do you think Jesus meant by "I am the bread of life"?
- What could you share with someone this week?
Key words
- Barley
- A grain used to make bread.
- Leftovers
- Food that is left after a meal.
- Food bank
- A place that gives free food to people who need it.
Use it in class
- The story of Jesus for kids: a Bible lesson guide (Lesson, grades K-6)
Sources
Bible quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible, which is in the public domain. The other facts on this page come from these sources:
- The Bible, Gospel of John
- Feeding America, "What is a food bank?"
