Matthew 14:13-21

New International Reader's Version

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

¹³ Jesus heard what had happened to John. He wanted to be alone. So he went in a boat to a quiet place. The crowds heard about this. They followed him on foot from the towns. ¹⁴ When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt deep concern for them. He healed their sick people.

¹⁵ When it was almost evening, the disciples came to him. “There is nothing here,” they said. “It’s already getting late. Send the crowds away. They can go and buy some food in the villages.”

¹⁶ Jesus replied, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

¹⁷ “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ Then Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves into pieces. Then he gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ All of them ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces. ²¹ The number of men who ate was about 5,000. Women and children also ate.