Slices
Prepare
Imagine yourself walking with family and friends some distance to see this miracle‑worker. What role would each play as you listen all day and are then fed well?
Bible passage
Jesus feeds the five thousand
30 The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’
32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. 33 But many who saw them leaving recognised them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. ‘This is a remote place,’ they said, ‘and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’
37 But he answered, ‘You give them something to eat.’
They said to him, ‘That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?’
38 ‘How many loaves do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and see.’
When they found out, they said, ‘Five – and two fish.’
39 Then Jesus told them to make all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.
Explore
If you’d been in the crowd, what one thing might you always remember? The chase, anticipating where Jesus’ boat would land? Spending time with Jesus all day and listening to his teaching? Feeling hungry and anxiously wondering how you’d get home? Watching Jesus give thanks, break bread and then everyone has enough to eat? Amazement at how much was left?
Throughout this day, Jesus reveals so much of his character, far more than just feeding over 5,000 people. He’s a leader who desires to spend quality time with his followers (vs 30,31); the most compelling human being anyone could ever meet (v 33); a riveting teacher who shares the mind of God with those who will listen (v 34); a pastor with the power and compassion to meet human need (v 37); a miracle-worker who makes sure everyone is satisfied (v 42) with more than enough to go round (v 43) because of his generous heart. What else could you add to the list? (You might add, as John does, a popular figure who refuses to lead a revolt against the Roman authorities.)
Respond
Who does Jesus think he is? Take one of his characteristics revealed in this story. What does this aspect of Jesus mean to you as you pray and meet with him?
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Ezra 1,2; Luke 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for our missions and holiday leaders as they begin the countdown to the summer. Pray for the teams, for effective training and support, for creativity in planning, and for sensitivity as they prepare to share the good news with the children and young people.
