What does the Bible say about the feeding of the 5000?

The feeding of the 5000 is a pivotal miracle found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. This act not only displays Jesus' ability to provide for physical needs but also serves as a symbol of His spiritual sustenance, fulfilling the deeper hunger of the human soul. John emphasizes the importance of this event, showing how Jesus took five barley loaves and two fish and miraculously multiplied them to feed thousands. Such miracles were intended to convince the witnesses of Christ's identity as the Son of God, allowing them to believe in Him for eternal life (John 20:30-31). Furthermore, it highlights the theme of abundance in Christ; after everyone was full, there were still 12 baskets left, emphasizing that what He offers transcends mere physical sustenance.