Jesus Could Feed a Crowd

​BIBLE Bits & Bites ​
Devotions for Families

Season 2: Only the Messiah Could...
Episode 9: “Jesus Could Feed a Crowd”
Today’s Bible Bite: Mark 6:32-44

Video Story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6rj9cAJrWE (Saddleback Kids)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fGjybUn5bE (Crossroads Kids’ Club)

“They all ate as much as they wanted” (Mark 6:42).

As word spread about Jesus, He got more and more popular and it became harder and harder for He and His disciples to find time for themselves...even to eat! So, one day they left the crowd and sailed to the other side of the lake, but there was a crowd waiting for Him there too! Jesus felt sorry for them, so instead of getting upset, He spent the day teaching them and healing the sick. Towards the end of the day, however, the disciples began encouraging Jesus to send the crowds home to get something to eat. Jesus told Philip, ‘You give them something,’ which of course the disciples thought was crazy!

But Jesus had a plan. A young boy gave Jesus his lunch; He thanked God for the food, had everyone sit down and then they started to pass it out. The boy’s lunch only had five pieces of bread and two small fish in it. The crowd was huge–5,000 men plus their families–so, you might think that wouldn’t be nearly enough. But you’d be wrong! They kept handing out the food and it never ran out. People ate as much as they wanted and there were even leftovers–twelve baskets full!

Think about it...

• Jesus and the disciples had been looking to find some quiet time. Do you ever need a break from people?
• The crowds kept coming, but Jesus didn’t get mad at them. How did Jesus feel? What did He do?
• The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away; it was getting late. What would you have wanted Jesus to do?
• A small boy shared his lunch. Chances are other people had food too, but didn’t want to share it. What would have happened if no one had been willing to share?
• Jesus made so much food that there were twelve baskets leftover. What would you have done with all that leftover food?

Prayer: Thank you, God, for caring for the people. You taught them, healed them and fed them. Thank you that you can still take care of us. Help me to remember to be like the little boy–willing to share what I have too–so that I can be a part of helping others.