And the apostles, when they were returned unto Jesus, told him all things, whatsoever they had done, and whatsoever they had taught. Now the passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. And he saith unto them, "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desert place apart. And the people saw them going, and many knew them, and they ran together there on foot from all the cities, and outwent them. And he came forth and saw a great multitude. And he welcomed them, and spake to them of the kingdom of God, and them that had need of healing he cured. And he had compassion on them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd. And the day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said unto him, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and country round about, and lodge, and get provisions: for we are here in a desert place." But Jesus said unto them, "They have no need to go away: give ye them to eat." Philip answered him, "Two hundred shillings' worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little." Jesus saith unto them, "How many loaves have ye? go and see." One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, "There is a lad here, who hath five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?" And Jesus said, "Bring them hither to me." And he commanded them that all should sit down by companies upon the green grass. Now there was much grass in the place. And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. And he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake the loaves; and he gave to the disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they all ate, and were filled. And they took up broken pieces, twelve basketfuls, and also of the fishes. And they that ate the loaves were five thousand men. When therefore the people saw the sign which he did, they said, "This is of a truth the prophet that cometh into the world." Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away. And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone. |