Jesus fed the 5,000 directly after John the Baptist was beheaded (we learn this in the Matthew and Mark versions of the story). You can use your discretion on whether to tell this part of the story to your students. Jesus' plan was to take his disciples away to a desolate place to recover from this very disturbing development. But at this point in his ministry, Jesus was very popular because of the miracles he was performing. Even though Jesus was trying to get alone with his disciples, Mark 6:34 tells us, "When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things." This shows us the incredible patience and compassion Jesus has for us!
So Jesus was teaching and the day wore on. It was getting late and the crowd was getting hungry. Jesus was trying to get to a desolate place, so they weren't anywhere near a source of food for 5,000 men (and uncounted women and children). When they began talking about how to solve this problem, Jesus challenged his disciples to figure it out. They were stumped. They suggested Jesus just send them home since it would take more than 200 days' wages to feed them. They only had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish from a boy in the crowd. Surely it wouldn't even be worth giving that out. It would probably just start a riot!
But Jesus told them to have everyone sit down. They had enough faith to obey him, and they started distributing food. We don't know exactly how the miracle occurred, but we know that when they were done distributing food and eating, they gathered up 12 baskets full of bread left over.
The people were amazed at this miracle, and Jesus knew that they planned to try and make him King of Israel by force. That wasn't his plan, so he withdrew to a mountain to be alone - this time where no one could find him...
(This story can also be found in Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:31-44, Luke 9:10-17. This is the only miracle, other than the resurrection, that occurs in all four gospels. We strongly recommend you read all accounts of this story to get a full perspective on it.)
What is your favorite meal? What would you do if you came to church and you were fed bread and fish for a snack?
(Consider doing the "Bread and Sardines Picnic" reinforcement activity below now)
Today, we're going to learn about a time when Jesus and his disciples had to feed over 5000 people, and the only food they had was 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.
Read story from a Children's storybook Bible for younger children.
For older children, read the story from an age-appropriate Children's storybook Bible or read directly from the Bible.
Scripture for Kids to Read Aloud: John 6:5-15
First, ask the children if they have any questions about the story. What to do if you don't know the answer?
Heads up! Be aware of fish allergies!
Scripture Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd? John 6:9
Supplies large loaf of bread or saltine crackers, sardines
Scripture Philip answered him, "Eight months' pay would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" John 6:7
Supplies Food items from your pantry (see below for ideas), index cards, candy or some prize for winning team
Option 1: Guess the Price
Option 2: Higher or Lower (better for younger students)
Heads up! You will need a lot of glue for this activity. It is messy, but kids love to glue!
Scripture Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. "Gather the leftover pieces," he said. "Don't waste anything." So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten. John 6:11-13
Supplies Craft printout, bread (broken into small pieces), goldfish crackers
Scripture So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten. John 6:13
Supplies supplies depend on which basket you choose, bread, swedish fish candy or goldfish
Scripture Then Jesus took the loaves and gave thanks. He handed out the bread to those who were seated. He gave them as much as they wanted. And he did the same with the fish. When all of them had enough to eat, Jesus spoke to his disciples. "Gather the leftover pieces," he said. "Don't waste anything." So they gathered what was left over from the five barley loaves. They filled 12 baskets with the pieces left by those who had eaten. John 6:11-13
Supplies Large soda bottle, 1/2 cup 20-volume hydrogen peroxide (20-volume is 6% solution, purchased from a beauty supply store), squirt of Dawn dish detergent, 1 teaspoon yeast , 2 tablespoons very warm water, funnel, aluminum foil pan
Heads up! Be aare of fish allergies! This would be a good actvity to be done outside to reduce the odor indoors.
Scripture Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd? John 6:9
Supplies dead blue gill or other fish with large scales, paint, newspaper, paper, paint brush
Scripture Here is a boy with five small loaves of barley bread. He also has two small fish. But how far will that go in such a large crowd? John 6:9
Supplies Markers, Paper