An Animal Parable Bible Story – Jesus Feeds 5,000
Ask the animals and they will teach you — Job 12:7 NLT
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. — John 6:35 NIV
Introduction
Based on the feeding of the 5,000 story, this parable is about how a boy and his cat shared their lunch with Jesus. You can read the real story in your Bible at Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-15. After you read The Gift That Kept Giving, visit the Animal Parable Bible Lesson for a kids devotion on spreading the Good News that is based on this children’s story.
The Gift That Kept Giving
By Harrison Woodard
A long time ago in a village near the Sea of Galilee, there lived a boy named Michael and his cat Kenji. They played together in the hills near their house.
One day Michael heard of a great man named Jesus who was going to preach near his village. Michael wanted to hear the prophet.
“Mom, may Kenji and I go hear Jesus teach tomorrow?” asked Michael.
“Why don’t you ask your father? If he says yes, you can go,” said his mother.
Michael ran outside with Kenji not more than a step behind.
“Dad, may Kenji and I go hear Jesus teach tomorrow? I promise to return as soon as he is finished,” said Michael.
His father smiled. He loved his son and was very proud of him wanting to learn about God.
“Make sure all your chores are finished and you can go,” said his father.
“Thanks dad,” said Michael as he gave his father a big hug.
The next morning Michael and Kenji got up early and did all his chores. He was completely finished before noon.
“I’m done. May we leave?” asked Michael proudly.
“You and Kenji have a good time today and listen very closely to Jesus,” said his mother.
“We will,” said Michael.
“I packed this basket with some fish and bread. I don’t want you two to be hungry,” said his mom as she handed him the basket.
“Thanks mom,” said Michael as he and Kenji ran out of the house.
As they walked through the village, Kenji saw his friend Sophie. She didn’t live with a family and had to hunt for food to feed her four kittens.
“Hi Sophie,” said Kenji. “How are you today?”
“Good,” said Sophie. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to hear Jesus teach,” said Kenji. “Would you like to come?”
“No, I have to feed my family,” said Sophie.
“Good hunting,” said Kenji as he waved goodbye.
When Michael and Kenji arrived, there were already 5,000 people sitting on a hillside listening to Jesus. They found a comfortable spot and listened very carefully to everything Jesus said. Throughout the afternoon, he taught many wonderful things.
As sunset approached, Jesus’ disciples began to worry.
“Master, order the people to go into the village and find food so they will not be hungry,” said Philip.
“You give them something to eat,” said Jesus.
“Where are we to buy food for all these people?” asked Philip. “Six months pay wouldn’t feed this crowd!”
“Philip, everything is possible if you have faith,” said Jesus. “Go into the crowd and see if anyone has any food they will share.”
All twelve disciples spread out and started searching for food.
“Excuse me,” said Andrew one of the disciples. “Jesus has asked for all the food to be gathered so everyone may eat. Do you have any food?”
“My mother packed two fish and some bread for me and Kenji,” said Michael. “It’s not much, but if Jesus needs it, he can have it.”
Michael looked at Kenji.
“Do you want to give your fish to Jesus?” asked Michael.
Kenji nodded.
“Thank you,” said Andrew. “I will tell Jesus of your gift.”
Michael and Kenji watched Andrew as he climbed up the hill with their food.
“Don’t worry Kenji, Jesus will provide food for us,” said Michael.
The disciples returned from their search with Michael’s food.
“Master, a boy and his cat want you to have their food,” said Andrew. “Two fish and some bread. This is all we could find.”
Jesus looked up to heaven, “Thank you Father for providing food for your people.”
Jesus ordered his disciples to pass out the food. Each time they picked up a piece of bread or a fish, more would appear in the basket.
After everyone had eaten; they gathered all the extra food and it filled twelve baskets.
“Bring the boy and his cat to me,” ordered Jesus.
Andrew brought Michael and Kenji up the hill to Jesus.
“You have done a wonderful thing,” said Jesus.
“No sir,” said Michael. “All we did was give you our food. You were the one that made it multiply.”
Jesus smiled.
“It was your faith that made this miracle possible,” said Jesus. “You and Kenji will be remembered forever for your gift.”
Michael hugged Jesus while Kenji rubbed against his leg.
“Take as much food as you can carry and take it home with you,” said Jesus.
Michael filled the biggest basket he could carry with bread and fish, and the two headed for home.
Back at home, Michael showed his parents all the food and told them what had happened.
“What are we going to do with all this food?” asked his mother.
“I have an idea,” said Michael. “Let’s share it with our neighbors.”
Michael’s parents nodded in agreement.
From his spot on the windowsill, Kenji listened to his family’s plans. Suddenly, he remembered Sophie. He jumped down and stood up on his hind legs to peer into the basket.
“Kenji, do you want to share the fish with someone?” asked Michael.
Kenji nodded. Michael reached down in the basket and grabbed the biggest fish Kenji could carry.
Kenji ran out the door and through the village looking for Sophie.
“Sophie, where are you?” called Kenji.
“What are you doing here?” asked Sophie peering out from behind the stable.
“I brought you a gift from Jesus,” said Kenji. “It’s the largest fish I could carry. Its for you and your kittens.”
“Thank you Kenji,” said Sophie.
“Don’t thank me, thank Jesus,” said Kenji. “He did all the work.”
“Well thank you Jesus,” said Sophie. “This will be more than enough for everyone.”
“And if you are ever hungry again, come to my house,” said Kenji. “I will be happy to share my food.”
THE END
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