Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way
Read John 6
HEAD
We are going to continue reading about two more miracles of Jesus today. Take a moment and think about the largest crowd you have ever been in. Maybe it was a school assembly, a big sports game, an amusement park, or a parade. Now imagine you are in this crowd, everyone is hungry, and you have to find a way to feed them. That would be quite the challenge, right?
In our chapter today, Jesus was teaching a huge crowd just like this! In this crowd were more than 5000 men, plus women and children. Some Bible experts believe that there could have been over 10,000 people. And just like the crowd I told you to imagine, they were hungry and needed food. The disciples began to worry and question how they would be able to provide food for them.
A young boy in the crowd, probably around your age, came forward with his lunch – a measly five loaves of bread and two fish. The disciples were still worried. I mean, that was hardly enough food for everyone in the crowd to get even a crumb! But Jesus wasn’t worried. He already had a plan and knew that God would provide. Jesus thanked God for the food and began passing it out. And somehow, everyone ate until their bellies were full! There were even twelve baskets of leftovers. How amazing!
Later that night, the disciples were traveling by boat when a storm came. The wind blew hard, and the waves crashed around them. They were terrified of the awful storm. But then they saw something in the distance. It was Jesus WALKING ON THE WATER toward them! They were scared, but Jesus said, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.” When He got into the boat, they were able to safely make it to their destination.
HEART
Can you think of a time you felt like the people in the crowd or the disciples? Has there ever been a situation where you were worried, afraid, or uncertain? I’m sure we can all relate to these feelings, but as we see in this chapter, Jesus meets our needs! His power is far greater than anything that causes us fear or overwhelms us. We can trust God with anything in our lives, whether it be big or small. He is always with us, and He has promised that he will never fail us or leave us. The same God who can feed over 5,000 people with a lunchbox and can walk on stormy seas is working in our lives!
HANDS
Even though the disciples had a strong friendship with Jesus and had seen him perform countless miracles, they were sometimes quick to become afraid. I know many times, I can relate. When the winds and waves of life happen, I can easily slip into worry and doubt. I have to daily PRAY FIRST and spend time in God’s Word to focus my heart on His goodness and power. How can you and your family remember that Jesus is with you this week, no matter what you are facing?
Prayer: Dear God, even when things seem impossible, difficult, or scary, I know that You are working things out for my good. I can trust You in all things. I am so thankful for You! I love You! Amen.