March 20th, 2026

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.

Everyone was satisfied. They were full, and each person had enough to eat! And wait for it…there were leftovers!! How much was left over? TWELVE basketfuls!! Do you think it was a coincidence that there were 12 basketfuls left over and 12 disciples that also needed to eat? No, it was all part of the plan! The disciples displayed great faith in giving out all that they had unselfishly. The disciples kept nothing for themselves. They did not even ask, and God fed them. He provided all that they needed! What a blessing it is to serve the Lord!

Can you think of a time when you gave up everything and received an unexpected blessing?

Let’s hear it for our God!!  

Dear Lord, Thank You for Your daily provisions and for the miracles You perform when we need You the most! Thank You for taking such great care of us, meeting our every need. What a blessing it is to serve You! We surrender all that we have and all that we are to You. Use us for Your good works! Amen