A Lonely Place
34 On getting out of the boat, Jesus saw a great crowd, and his heart was moved at the sight of them, because they were ‘like sheep without a shepherd’; and he began to teach them many things. 35 When it grew late, his disciples came up to him, and said: “This is a lonely place, and it is already late. 36 Send the people away, so that they may go to the farms and villages around and buy themselves something to eat.”
37 But Jesus answered: “It is for you to give them something to eat.” “Are we to go and buy twenty pounds’ worth of bread,” they asked, “to give them to eat?” 38 “How many loaves have you?” he asked; “Go, and see.” When they had found out, they told him: “Five, and two fishes.” 39 Jesus directed them to make all the people take their seats on the green grass, in parties; 40 And they sat down in groups: in hundreds, and in fifties.
41 Taking the five loaves and the two fishes, Jesus looked up to heaven, and said the blessing; he broke the loaves into pieces, and gave them to his disciples for them to serve out to the people, and he divided the two fishes also among them all. 42 Every one had sufficient to eat; 43 And they picked up enough broken pieces to fill twelve baskets, as well as some of the fish. 44 The men who ate the bread were five thousand in number.
45 Immediately afterwards Jesus made his disciples get into the boat, and cross over in advance, in the direction of Bethsaida, while he himself was dismissing the crowd. 46 After he had taken leave of the people, he went away up the hill to pray. 47 When evening fell, the boat was out in the middle of the sea, and Jesus on the shore alone. 48 Seeing them laboring at the oars—for the wind was against them—about three hours after midnight Jesus came towards them, walking on the water, intending to join them.
49 But, when they saw him walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost, and cried out; 50 For all of them saw him, and were terrified. But Jesus at once spoke to them. “Courage!” he said, “It is I; do not be afraid!” 51 Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped. The disciples were utterly amazed, 52 For they had not understood about the loaves, their minds being slow to learn.
53 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret, and moored the boat. 54 But they had no sooner left her than the people, recognizing Jesus, 55 Hurried over the whole country-side, and began to carry about upon mats those who were ill, wherever they heard he was. 56 So wherever he went—to villages, or towns, or farms—they would lay their sick in the market-places, begging him to let them touch only the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made well.
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To read Chapter 7 of the Book of Mark, please go to: Ears to Hear
Browse the entire Book of Mark here: Gospel of Mark
