13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.
17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:13-21 KJV)
Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand
This story about Christ feeding five thousand men with five loaves and two fish is recorded by all four Gospel writers—something very few of Christ’s miracles share. This suggests it holds special significance.
Christ withdrew into a quiet, remote place when He heard not just of John’s death but also of Herod’s suspicions—that Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Fearing Herod, He moved further away to get out of his jurisdiction. When God provides an open door of escape during dangerous times, it’s wise to take it unless we’re clearly called to stay. Though Jesus could have protected Himself by divine power, He chose instead to use human wisdom as an example for us.
Still, when the people found out where He had gone, they followed Him on foot from every direction. Jesus had such a strong connection with the crowds that withdrawing only increased their eagerness. The Scripture was fulfilled: “Unto him shall the gathering of the people be.” After John’s death, people seemed even more drawn to Christ. Often, the suffering of believers helps to advance the gospel. John’s testimony, once completed, was now more deeply remembered and valued.
Jesus had great compassion for those who followed Him. Even though He had retreated for rest and safety, He came out to meet them, showing He was willing to work and even risk Himself for their good. When He saw the crowd, He felt deep compassion. Seeing so many souls—most of whom were likely lost—moved Him deeply.
He didn’t just feel pity; He acted. Many in the crowd were sick, and He healed them. Later, when they were hungry, He fed them. In every kindness Christ shows us, His compassion is at the core.
As evening approached, the disciples suggested that Jesus dismiss the crowd to get food for themselves. They thought the day’s work was done. Jesus, however, would not send them away hungry. Nor did He want to burden them with buying food. Instead, He told His disciples to feed them. Jesus often showed more care for people than even His disciples did. Compared to God’s mercy in Christ, the compassion of the kindest people is small.
Christ said, “They don’t need to leave. You give them something to eat.” Those who have Christ don’t need to go elsewhere to find satisfaction. If we’ve secured the one thing truly needed, we don’t have to be worried about many lesser things. He won’t put His faithful followers through unnecessary expense or hardship. He’ll make their path easier.
Still, if they’re hungry, they must be fed—because hunger is a real need. Jesus acknowledged their physical needs, reminding us that our bodies, made by God and bought by Christ, matter to Him. He had a body Himself and knows our needs. When our bodies are used in service to God, He cares for them especially. If we put God’s kingdom first, He’ll add what we need. These crowds followed Jesus, maybe just in a burst of excitement, yet He still cared for them. How much more will He care for those who follow Him fully?
There was very little food—just five loaves and two fish—compared to the huge crowd. The five thousand men didn’t include women and children, who may have doubled or tripled the total. But from these five loaves and two fish, Christ chose to feed the crowd. Those with little should still be willing to share, and God often multiplies it when they do. God can provide a table in the wilderness if He chooses.
Jesus told them, “Bring them here to me.” And He received the food. In like manner, what we give in generosity should first be offered to Christ, asking Him to bless it. Then Jesus told the people to sit. Now they sat on the grass—no chairs, tables, utensils, or even cloths. Jesus Himself gave thanks and blessed the food, acknowledging God’s provision and asking for blessing. This shows us the importance of giving thanks for our meals. All good things should be received with gratitude.
Jesus broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, who then gave it to the people. In doing this, He honored His disciples and gave a picture of how spiritual food would be shared in the church: from Christ, through His servants, to the people. Ministers can’t fill hearts unless Christ first fills their hands.
The miracle is described only in its result—the food increased. There’s no mention of the exact moment it multiplied. Like the widow’s oil, the increase happened as it was distributed. Grace works the same way—it grows as it’s used. Spiritual gifts, unlike material things, grow through sharing.
Everyone ate and was filled. Christ fully satisfies those He feeds. Even a little, when blessed by God, becomes enough. There were leftovers—twelve baskets full. One for each disciple. What they gave, they got back with more. They didn’t mind saving the scraps for later. This showed the greatness of the miracle and the abundance of Christ’s provision. What He gives is not just barely enough—it’s more than enough.
Even when it works through natural means, it’s the same divine power that causes seeds to grow and the earth to bring forth food. What’s sown in handfuls comes back in sheaves. This is God’s work; by Christ, all things are held together and sustained by His word.