2
A vast multitude followed Him, because they witnessed the miracles on the sick which He was constantly performing.
3
Then Jesus went up the hill, and sat there with His disciples.
4
The Jewish Festival, the Passover, was at hand.
5
And when He looked round and saw an immense crowd coming towards Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for all these people to eat?"
6
He said this to put Philip to the test, for He Himself knew what He was going to do.
7
"Seven pounds' worth of bread," replied Philip, "is not enough for them all to get even a scanty meal."
8
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him,
9
"There is a boy here with five barley loaves and a couple of fish: but what is that among so many?"
10
"Make the people sit down," said Jesus. The ground was covered with thick grass; so they sat down, the adult men numbering about 5,000.
11
Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were resting on the ground; and also the fish in like manner--as much as they desired.
12
When all were fully satisfied, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the broken portions that remain over, so that nothing be lost."