Jesus Feeds the 5,000

So many people wanted to hear Jesus preach that a crowd followed him to a remote location. As mealtime approached, the only food that was found was a boy’s lunch containing five small loaves of bread and two small fish. Jesus instructed the apostles to divide the food among the crowd of 5000 men (in addition to women and children). Everyone ate as much as they and then there was still food left over at the end of the meal.

Jesus has the power to provide what people need.

Bible verses used in this episode:

• John 6:1-14
• Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17
• 1 Kings 17:8-16 
• 2 Kings 4:42-44
• Deuteronomy 18:15

 Outline:

1. Jesus preaching and healing (John 6:1-4)
2. The problem of the hungry crowd (John 6:5-9)
3. The meal (John 6:10-11)
4. Leftovers (John 6:12-14)

Tips for teaching:

• If older children enjoy maths have them calculate how much one meal of fish and bread would cost and then multiply that by 5000 men (plus women and children).  Find out the average daily wage and work out how long a person would have to work to provide food for that many.
• Eat fish and bread for a snack today.
• Adults could consider the question, "Why do I follow Jesus?"
• Ask adults which character they relate to the most and then explain why. Characters include Jesus, Philip, Andrew, the crowd or the boy.
• Share a meal together.  Have each person bring a dish to share for the meal and then an extra dish to share with someone afterwards. 

Full teaching instructions available free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson:  Feeding of the 5,000

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org