Food is a gift from God that satisfies physical hunger. It can also be a means to share a memorable experience with others. We can probably recall particular meals that were memorable for many reasons: how good they tasted, who we shared them with, locations, etc. But can a meal change your life? In this miracle, we see Jesus serving a miraculous meal through the hands of His disciples, and this would be a moment that would change their lives for the better. Come with us and see God's miraculous goodness in Jesus!

Mark 6:30-44

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. 33 Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 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. 35 And when it grew late, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. 36 Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But He answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 And He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 Then He commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were satisfied. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. 44 And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men.

For Adult Homes & Groups

1. Read Mark 6:30-44 out loud together.

2. Next read/pray together Psalm 23. What connections do you see between Psalm 23 and Mark’s account of Jesus feeding the 5,000? 

3. What was troubling for the disciples when Jesus told them to provide for the crowd? What did Jesus’ miraculous action reveal about Himself regarding what the disciples had to give? What does Jesus’ provision indicate about His desire for His disciples?

4. Jesus invites us into His work, and even commands us to join in with the words, “You give them something to eat.” We are to feed people who are spiritually starved with God’s promises. What makes us hesitant about this command? What could give us the confidence to follow through?

5. Jesus provides for His people through His people...through you! List the daily provisions God has blessed you with. Then ask Jesus to help each of you trust in His provision to provide blessings for others through you.

For Families with Kids

1. Read Mark 6:30-44 together. 

2. What do you like about this miracle? Who all benefited from it? Mark says that Jesus had “compassion on the people”. What does compassion mean? What does it look like when someone shows it? How does it make people feel? How does Jesus’ compassion for you make you feel?

3. What is your favorite meal? When we eat, how can we show Jesus we are thankful for the food He gives us?

4. Pray Psalm 23 out loud as a family. How does this point us to Jesus? Which verse is your favorite? Why? Work on memorizing this Psalm to keep it in your hearts forever.