Slices
Prepare
Remember a time when you offered the Lord something that felt small and insignificant. Thank the Lord for how he blessed you and your offering.
Bible passage
Jesus feeds the five thousand
13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed those who were ill.
15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, ‘This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so that they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.’
16 Jesus replied, ‘They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.’
17 ‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered.
18 ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said. 19 And he told the people to sit down on the grass. 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 the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Explore
Why do you think Jesus sought out a solitary place? What might we learn from his practice? However, despite seeking solitude, his plans go astray. Why do you think the crowds followed him (v 13)? In verse 14, we see Jesus’ deep compassion at work, healing the sick and helping people.
The disciples were being both compassionate and practical in verse 15. They knew it was getting late, that they were in a remote place and that the people were hungry. Their request that Jesus send the people to find food was logical, but Jesus had a different plan.
The disciples’ answer to Jesus’ plan in verse 17 seems reasonable but take a moment to identify what lies unspoken behind their answer.
Notice the different actions of Jesus in verses 18 and 19. He took the little food the disciples had, blessed God for it, broke it and gave it to the disciples to disperse. Put yourself in the disciples’ place and wonder what they were thinking. They must have been astounded when they realised that, between them, they had fed well over 5,000 people with such a small amount of food, yet so much was left over.
Respond
Thank the Lord for his compassion and amazing generosity. Pray that you may be able to offer that same compassion and generosity to those in need around you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Isaiah 29,30; Hebrews 1
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Tolu and Ben of Mission Partner CLiKS in Keighley as they serve in the local schools through collective worship, prayer spaces and seasonal events, asking that they will help young people discover God’s love and the difference he could make in their lives. (This week's prayers relate to this article.)
A child has started following Jesus. Help them keep growing.
A child's decision to trust Jesus is a moment to celebrate, but it's also the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. Journey to the Sacred Kingdom helps children aged 5–8 discover what it means to know God through his Word, grow in faith and walk with Jesus every day.
Following the adventures of Rock and River, children explore key Bible stories, discover who the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are and begin developing everyday faith habits through engaging reflections, colourful comics and interactive activities.
Give the young believers in your care a strong biblical foundation from the very beginning.
✓ Help new believers grow in God's Word
Introduce children to foundational biblical truths in a way they can understand, helping them build confidence in knowing God and following Jesus.
✓ Encourage faith that lasts beyond a single decision
Support children as they develop habits of prayer, Bible reading and trusting God, laying foundations for a lifelong relationship with Christ.
✓ A trusted discipleship resource for church and home
Perfect for parents, grandparents, children's leaders and churches seeking a biblically rooted follow-up resource after holiday clubs, children's ministry, family events, baptism or other moments when a child begins their journey with Jesus.
