The only miracle big enough to make it into all four Gospels (other than the Resurrection) was the feeding of the 5,000. In addition, in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark we hear about a feeding of 4,000. Based on those accounts, including the King James version, I have imagined the following:

Just after hearing of the death of John the Baptist, the twelve returned from proclaiming the kingdom of God is at hand and healing. One by one, they gave an account of their journey. Taking them with him, they withdrew towards Bethsaida. But the crowds learned of this and followed Him. Welcoming them,He began teaching them about the kingdom of God and curing those in need of healing.

When it was evening, the disciples approached Him. Nathanial said, This place is desolate and its already late. You should send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy themselves food.”

Jesus said, “They don’t need to go away, you give them something to eat.”

Philip responded, “Two hundred days wages wouldn’t be enough to give everyone a little food.”

Andrew said, “There is a boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with such a large crowd?”

Jesus instructed the apostles to have the people sit in groups of 50. There were five thousand men there as well as women and children. Then Jesus took the bread and the fish, gave thanks, broke them and kept giving them to the apostles. They in turn, began to bring them to the people.

Those closest were overwhelmed with the aroma of the fresh bread and as they received the bread from the apostles, it was warm as if straight from the oven. The fish was the finest they had eaten. 

Those farthest from Jesus worried that there would be enough for them even as their mouths watered from the aroma. But all were given as much as they wished.

All ate and were satisfied. Jesus asked that the remnants be gathered so that nothing would be wasted. Twelve baskets of leftovers were gathered.

Why did Jesus say to the disciples, “You feed them.” ? [Matthew 14:16; Mark 6:37; Luke 9:13.] How did they feel when Jesus instructed them to do the impossible? And why was it so important to record that He said it?

I suspect the answer lies in the fact that this was exactly what happened. Jesus did not feed the multitude, the apostles did. I can’t help but wonder at what moment, what instant was the bread multiplied? Did it happen as Jesus blessed it? As He broke it to give to the apostles? Or did it actually multiply in the hands of the apostles as they distributed it?

We don’t know the answer, but I like to imagine the third option. It’s partially because it reminds me of the miracle of the Widow in 2 Kings 4 where the oil continued to flow as long as she had vessels to fill. I like to imagine the wonder the apostles felt as Jesus performed a miracle through their hands. I like to think that the bread continued to multiply as long as they gave it away.