Sunday Gospel Lesson Plan Ideas: Multiplying of the Loaves and Fishes

When Jesus heard of the death of John the Baptist,
he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself.
The crowds heard of this and followed him on foot from their towns.
When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them, and he cured their sick.
When it was evening, the disciples approached him and said,
“This is a deserted place and it is already late;
dismiss the crowds so that they can go to the villages
and buy food for themselves.”
Jesus said to them, “There is no need for them to go away;
give them some food yourselves.”
But they said to him,
“Five loaves and two fish are all we have here.”
Then he said, “Bring them here to me,”
and he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass.
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
he said the blessing, broke the loaves,
and gave them to the disciples,
who in turn gave them to the crowds.
They all ate and were satisfied,
and they picked up the fragments left over—
twelve wicker baskets full.
Those who ate were about five thousand men,
not counting women and children.

August 6th Gospel Resources for Catechists – Multiplying of the Loaves

Here are some helpful resources for teaching and discussing this passage with your students.

The Eucharist

This passage is foreshadowing Jesus instituting the Eucharist. Here is an article that discusses the same account from the Gospel of John.

St. Andrew

Learn about the fisherman, St. Andrew, who was present for this miracle.

Holy Thursday

While this is a homily from Holy Thursday mass, it is packed with catechesis on the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the necessity of accepting suffering in order to evangelize and truly live the Christian life.

Fine Art to Teach the Faith

Here is an art and Bible lesson for teaching middle school children about the multiplying of the loaves and fishes.

Loaves and Fishes Explained for Younger Children

Here is another idea for teaching the loaves and fishes to younger children.

Detailed Loaves and Fishes Bible Lesson

Check out a more detailed middle school loaves and fishes Bible lesson here and the follow up lesson connecting it to the Mass.