JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND
Mark 6:30-56
Key Verse: 6:41
“Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.”
- When the “apostles” reported to Jesus, what did he suggest and do (30-32)? When meeting an unexpected and desperate crowd, how did Jesus respond (33-34)? Why? What do you learn here about Jesus?
- What does the disciples’ suggestion reveal about them (35-36)? What surprising command did Jesus give them (37a)? What was he teaching them? How did Jesus help them to obey and participate in what Jesus was doing (37b-40)?
- Read verse 41. How did Jesus bless the five loaves and two fish? What did Jesus reveal about himself as the Messiah who meets the practical needs of people (42-44)? What does Jesus want his disciples to learn?
- What did Jesus do after feeding the crowd (45-46)? What was the disciples’ situation and how did Jesus help them (47-51a)? Why did they not need to be afraid? What does the author’s comment suggest about how they should have understood who Jesus is (51b-52)?
- How did the people of Gennesaret respond to Jesus’ arrival (53-55)? How did Jesus reveal his messianic power and compassion (56)? How did Jesus’ Galilean ministry reveal his identity as the Messiah?