The Explanation

So many people. So many! They sat on the grass, in big groups. Fifty here. Fifty there. All the way to the hills.

Jesus looked at them. He loved them. He told them about God. He healed the ones who were sick.

Then the sun began to go down. The sky turned pink. The disciples came to Jesus. "Send the people away," they said. "There is no food here."

But Jesus said, "You give them something to eat."

The disciples looked at each other. "We only have five loaves," they said. "And two little fish."

Five loaves. Two fish. For five thousand people! That is not enough. Not nearly enough.

What Does This Mean?

Jesus took the five loaves. He took the two fish. He looked up to heaven. He said thank you to God. Then he broke the bread with his hands.

He gave the pieces to his friends. They gave the pieces to the people. And it did not run out. It did not run out!

Everybody ate. Everybody had enough. Big tummies, happy tummies. And when it was all done, there was still food left over. Twelve whole baskets, full to the top.

Jesus can make small things become enough. Even five loaves. Even two fish.

The Common Thread

Later, Jesus went up a mountain to pray. Peter, John and James went with him.

While he was praying, something wonderful happened. Jesus began to shine. His clothes turned white, white like snow, white like light.

A cloud came close. And a voice spoke from the cloud. It was God's voice. God said, "This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!"

Jesus is not just a kind teacher. He is God's own Son. That is why bread was never too little in his hands. That is why sick people got better when he touched them.

For You

One time the disciples argued about who was the greatest. Jesus took a little child, and stood the child close beside him.

He said, "Whoever receives this little child receives me."

Did you hear that? Jesus loves it when you come close to him. You do not have to be big or strong. You do not have to be first. Jesus wants you near him, just like that little child.

Talk About It

Jesus took five loaves and two fish and made it enough for everyone. What do you think that felt like, to eat and eat and still have food left?

Jesus took a little child and stood him close beside him. How does it feel to be close to Jesus?

Praying Together

Dear Jesus, Thank you for the bread. Thank you that you make small things big. Thank you that I may come close to you. Amen.