have here but five loaves and two fishes, which we have just purchased
of a lad." He said, "Bring them to Me." Then He told the people to sit
down on the grass; and He took the five loaves and the two fishes,
and, looking up to heaven, blessed them and broke them into pieces.
The disciples carried the bread and fish to the people and they all
ate and had plenty, although there were about five thousand men,
besides women and children. And yet, when the disciples took up the
fragments that were left, these fragments filled twelve baskets. How
kind was Jesus! He not only taught the people and healed their sick,
but He fed them when out in the desert place and hungry.

[Illustration: FEEDING FIVE THOUSAND.]




CHRIST WALKING ON THE SEA.


When the people had seen the miracle that Christ did in feeding so
many with so few loaves, they felt sure that He was one of the old
prophets that had come again, and they would have taken Him by force
to make Him king. So He sent His disciples by boat towards Capernaum,
and He went, alone, up into a mountain to pray.

When it was dark, the disciples found themselves alone upon the sea,
opposed to strong winds, which tossed the boat upon high waves. Then
Jesus went out to them, walking upon the waves; but when the disciples
saw Him they thought it was a spirit, and cried out with fear. But
Jesus said, "Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid." Peter answered