Feeding the 5,000

 

Introduction

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Welcome to the believed location where Jesus Fed 5,000 people. This is a major event from the Bible that took place here. Here are the highlights.

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1. This was an amazing miracle where Jesus miraculously fed a huge multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish.

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2. Scripture says there were 5,000 men, not counting women and children. This means there could have easily been 15,000 to 20,000 people present.

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3. He had them sit on the grass in groups of 50. This shows how this location could accommodate a large multitude.

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4. We'll explain why we believe this is the best location for this astounding miracle.

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Location

 

1. The traditional site of this miracle is at Tabgha, located on the northwestern side of the Sea of Galilee.

 

2. However, this miracle most likely occurred on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee, a short distance south of Bethsaida.

 

3. Scripture says Jesus and His disciples were headed to Bethsaida, a desolate or deserted place (Mark 6:31; Luke 9:10). Tabgha is in a very populated area and on the opposite side of the sea from Bethsaida.

 

4. The large population area was from Tiberias to Capernaum (the northwestern side). The deserted area was on the northeastern and eastern sides of the sea.

 

5. Bethsaida was a small fishing village and was about the only town on the northeastern side of the sea.

 

6. Immediately after feeding the 5,000, Jesus ordered His disciples to cross over to the other side of the sea (Matt. 14:22). Scripture says He first sent them to Bethsaida; then they were headed to Capernaum, and they finally wound up at Gennessaret (Ginosar).

 

7. A strong storm arose while the disciples were crossing over to the other side. Jesus walked on water (Peter also attempted to), and Jesus calmed the storm.

 

8. The storm seems to have changed the course of their destination, as Scripture says that they ended up arriving in the area of Gennesaret (Matt. 14:34–36).

 

9. Gennesaret is located on the northwestern side of the sea, the area where most of the population resides.

 

10. Gennesaret is less than 2 miles (3 km) south of Tabgha. If the miracle happened at Tabgha, going from Tabgha to Gennesaret wouldn’t have crossed over the other side of the sea, as both towns are nearby.

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11. After Christ arrived at Gennesaret, many heard he had arrived, and a large multitude gathered for healing. If Christ had just been in the area of Tabgha, it wouldn't make sense that a large crowd would gather again right after Christ had just been there.

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12. From the location of the feeding of the 5,000, the disciples headed toward Bethsaida and Capernaum (Mark 6:45; John 6:16–17). Therefore, they had to be south of Bethsaida enough to travel in that direction by boat. 

 

13. For these reasons, we believe the best biblical location for the feeding of the multitude is just south of Bethsaida in this open, flat area. It seems to fit the text and the geography of the land best.

 

Historical Background

 

1. This miracle happened just after Jesus had sent out the 12 disciples to preach and heal throughout Israel (Luke 9:1–9).

 

2. You would think that after being used so mightily by God, the disciples would have had more faith.

 

3. It also took place just after the death of John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1–12).

 

4. Jesus and His disciples were headed to the remote area of Bethsaida to rest after the long ministry period they had just finished (being sent out two by two, preaching and healing).

 

Luke 9:10–11: On their return, the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida.

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Mark 6:30–32: The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31 And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves.

 

5. However, instead of resting, a huge ministry opportunity awaited them.

 

Mark 6:33–34: Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. 34 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

 

6. Scripture mentions that 5,000 were fed, not including women and children. This means there could easily have been 15,000 people or more present.

 

Places of Interest (Please See Maps Above)

 

1. Bethsaida

2. Tabgha

3. Gennesaret

4. Tiberias
5. Feeding of the 5,000 location.
6. Likely place they arrived and departed with their boat.

7. Mountain upon which Jesus prayed after the feeding of the 5,000.
8. Desolate side of the Sea of Galilee.
9. Populated side of the Sea of Galilee.
10. Sea of Galilee

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Feeding the 5,000 in the Bible

 

1. Feeding the multitude
Luke 9:10–11: On their return, the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. 11 When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing.

Luke 9:12–17: Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, "Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place." 13 But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." 14 For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each." 15 And they did so, and had them all sit down. 16 And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. 17 And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.

 

2. Interestingly, there were twelve baskets. This was no accident, as there were 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles.

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3. This miracle is similar to what Elisha did in the Old Testament.

2 Kings 4:42-44: A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, “Give to the men, that they may eat.” 43 But his servant said, “How can I set this before a hundred men?” So he repeated, “Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’” 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.

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4. After feeding the multitude, the people try to force Jesus to be their king.

John 6:15: Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

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5. Jesus went up on a mountain to pray.

Matthew 14:23: And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

 

6. Jesus sent His disciples to the other side of the sea.

Matthew 14:22: Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

 

Mark 6:45: Immediately, he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

 

John 6:16–17: When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum.

 

The summary of these verses indicates that they were headed west to the other side of the sea.

 

7. Jesus sends a strong storm.
Matthew 14:24: But the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.

 

Mark 6:48: And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them.

 

John 6:17–18: It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing.

 

8. Jesus comes to the disciples, walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:25: And in the fourth watch of the night [3:00–6:00 am] he came to them, walking on the sea.

 

John 6:19: When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat.

 

9. The disciples become terrified.
Matthew 14:26: But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.

 

10. The emotional state of the disciples:

 

• They were already exhausted from their ministry of being sent out two by two.

• They had a long day of ministry.

• They rowed all night in a state of panic and desperation.

• They missed a night of sleep.

• It was still dark, so it was probably around 4:00 am.

• They feared for their lives.

• They were alone.

• It was dark.

• They were terrified when they saw Jesus walking on the sea. 

 

11. Jesus speaks to the disciples.
Matthew 14:27: But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I [I AM, in Greek]. Do not be afraid."

 

12. Peter walks on the water for a moment.
Matthew 14:28–31: And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." 29 He said, "Come. "So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

 

13. Jesus calms the storm.

Mark 6:52: And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded.

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14. The disciples worship Jesus as Lord and Messiah.
Matthew 14:32–33: And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." 

 

This miracle was a major turning point in the disciples' lives. The deity of Jesus was now deeply embedded in their hearts and lives, and they would never be the same.

 

15. Jesus and the disciples miraculously arrive at the other side of the sea at Gennesaret.

Matthew 14:34: And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

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John 6:21: Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

 

16. After already being exhausted and missing a night's sleep, they had more ministry awaiting them.
Matthew 14:35–36: And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick 36 and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

 

Faith Lesson from Feeding the 5,000

 

1. The disciples should have had more faith after God used them mightily to preach and heal many people. What about us? Do we lack faith after seeing all God has done for us and others?

 

2. The crowd later approached Jesus to make Him King. However, Jesus rebuked them because they were just seeking what He could do for them and weren’t interested in true discipleship. Do we tend only to want God’s blessings but no discipleship, sacrifice, suffering, or persecution?

 

3. Like the crowd Jesus fed, today, many people come to God for help and want to be fixed up. However, they don’t want Christ to be the Lord of their lives. Do we embrace the lordship of Christ, or do we just want our problems solved and then continue living as we please?

 

4. God also cares for our spiritual needs and likens Himself to spiritual bread. Are you laboring for the bread that endures to eternal life, or are you more focused on temporary things that will soon fade away?

 

5. Are we feeding our souls daily with God’s Word and the Bread of Life?

 

John 6:35: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. The one who comes to me will never become hungry, and the one who believes in me will never become thirsty.”

 

Matthew 4:4: It is written, “Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”