15 As evening came the disciples went up to him and said, "This place is miles from anywhere and it’s getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."

16 But Jesus told them, "They don’t need to leave. You give them something to eat!"

17 "All we have here are five loaves and a couple of fish," they replied.

18 "Bring them to me," said Jesus. 19 He told the crowds to sit down on the grass. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven and blessed them. After that he broke the loaves into pieces and gave the bread to the disciples, and the disciples gave it to the crowds. 20 Everybody ate until they were full. Then they collected up the leftovers which filled twelve baskets. 21 Some five thousand men ate the food, not counting women and children.