31
When the people saw the mutes speaking, the maimed healthy, the paraplegics walking around, the blind looking around, they were astonished and let everyone know that God was blazingly alive among them.
32
But Jesus wasn't finished with them. He called his disciples and said, "I hurt for these people. For three days now they've been with me, and now they have nothing to eat. I can't send them away without a meal - they'd probably collapse on the road."
33
His disciples said, "But where in this deserted place are you going to dig up enough food for a meal?"
34
Jesus asked, "How much bread do you have?"
35
At that, Jesus directed the people to sit down.
36
He took the seven loaves and the fish. After giving thanks, he divided it up and gave it to the people.
37
Everyone ate. They had all they wanted. It took seven large baskets to collect the leftovers.
38
Over four thousand people ate their fill at that meal.
39
After Jesus sent them away, he climbed in the boat and crossed over to the Magadan hills.