This week, we are reading through Matthew 14:14-21, focusing each day on a portion of this miraculous story that appears in all four gospels. You can also read about it in Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-14.
Read Matthew 14:14-21
When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
This was no small crowd! Five thousand PLUS!! And not a single person left hungry! Isn’t this amazing!! This is proof that God is capable of satisfying every need! Whenever the opportunity arises to help someone and the devil tries to deceive you by trying to convince you that you are not enough and that you do not have enough, read this story again. Read it in Mark. Read it in Luke. Read it in John. Read it with a friend! Remind yourself that with God, you are more than enough!! Share the good news!
I pray that this story found in all four gospels, along with the devos this week, gives you hope in the One who knows your name, can identify your every need, and responds with compassion!! I hope you are inspired by Jesus’ “see something, do something attitude!” I pray that you recognize your gifts and talents, that you bring them before the Lord and enjoy all the wonderful things He does! Amen
