Feeding the Five Thousand Sharing Game

A big crowd had followed Jesus all day, and they were hungry. A boy offered his small lunch of five loaves and two fish. Jesus gave thanks, and the food was enough for thousands of people, with baskets left over.

The story shows that God can do a lot with something small. This game helps everyone practise sharing.

Verse to remember (John 6:11): Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks and shared them with the people.

1. Sit in a circle. The leader holds out two hands as if holding a loaf of bread.
2. The leader says "I have five loaves and two fish" and passes the pretend bread to the player on the right.
3. Each player takes a pretend piece, says "Thank you, God", and passes the rest on.
4. After one lap, the leader says, "Look! There is still more!" and starts a second lap with bigger pretend loaves.
5. On the third lap, each player says one thing they can share, such as time, a toy or a smile.
6. End by holding hands and saying thank you together.

How it ends: Ask each person to name something small that God might use. Remind everyone that sharing makes a difference.

Leader can say: “A small gift in God's hands can be a big gift for many people.”

For little ones: Let little ones use a big pretend loaf and pass it with both hands. A helper can sit next to them.

For teens and adults: Older players can discuss how their time, skills or money could help someone, and talk about the boy who gave his lunch.

Safety: Use only pretend food. Please do not use real food in this game because of allergies.

After the game, sit together and ask:

• Why do you think the boy shared his lunch?
• What small thing can you give to others?
• What did the disciples learn that day?

• Good Samaritan Helper Game: Act out the kind traveller, then mime small acts of kindness.
• Zacchaeus Up and Down Game: Stand up and sit down on story words and listen for Jesus' call.
• All Bible games for church