When I reflect on this passage like many others, I'm always of the mind set that JESUS has dual purposes for most acts & teachings. First, you have the five thousand following JESUS and listening to him preach about the kingdom of heaven. Extremely significant. As such, not only does he nourish his followers' minds with his Father's words, he then nourishes their body with food. Importantly, by giving thanks first, then multiplying the food so all could eat. I believe this miracle not only reveals to his followers that JESUS is the bread of life, and should be followed, but through his FATHER all things are possible. He did it so all could beleive, have faith, and act in kind.