30
When the Apostles had re-assembled round Jesus, they reported to Him all they had done and all they had taught.
31
Then He said to them, "Come away, all of you, to a quiet place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, so that they had no time even for meals.
32
Accordingly they sailed away in the boat to a solitary place apart.
33
But the people saw them going, and many knew them; and coming by land they ran together there from all the neighbouring towns, and arrived before them.
34
So when Jesus landed, He saw a vast multitude; and His heart was moved with pity for them, because they were like sheep which have no shepherd, and He proceeded to teach them many things.
35
By this time it was late; so His disciples came to Him, and said, "This is a lonely place, and the hour is now late:
36
send them away that they may go to the farms and villages near here and buy themselves something to eat."
37
"Give them food yourselves," He replied. "Are we," they asked, "to go and buy two hundred shillings' worth of bread and give them food?"
38
"How many loaves have you?" He inquired; "go and see." So they found out, and said, "Five; and a couple of fish."
39
So He directed them to make all sit down in companies on the green grass.
40
And they sat down in rows of hundreds and of fifties.
41
Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and lifting His eyes to Heaven He blessed the food. Then He broke the loaves into portions which He went on handing to the disciples to distribute; giving pieces also of the two fish to them all.
42
All ate and were fully satisfied.
43
And they carried away broken portions enough to fill twelve baskets, besides pieces of the fish.
44
Those who ate the bread were 5,000 adult men.
45
Immediately afterwards He made His disciples go on board the boat and cross over to Bethsaida, leaving Him behind to dismiss the crowd.
46
He then bade the people farewell, and went away up the hill to pray.
47
When evening was come, the boat was half way across the Lake, while he Himself was on shore alone.
48
But when He saw them distressed with rowing (for the wind was against them), towards morning He came towards them walking on the Lake, as if intending to pass them.
49
They saw Him walking on the water, and thinking that it was a spirit they cried out;
50
for they all saw Him and were terrified. He, however, immediately spoke to them. "There is no danger," He said; "it is I; be not alarmed."
51
Then He went up to them on board the boat, and the wind lulled; and they were beside themselves with silent amazement.
52
For they had not learned the lesson taught by the loaves, but their minds were dull.