March 19th, 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.

Jesus gave thanks for all that He had, trusting God to provide the rest. He gave the loaves up, releasing control to His Father, having faith that it was enough. Jesus showed gratitude BEFORE the blessing even came, thanking God for what Jesus was confident God was going to do!

Have you ever thanked God for something before it happened?

Let’s give thanks to God for all His future blessings:

Lord, help us to give up control, to release anything that is keeping us or anyone else from receiving Your blessings. We trust that You know what we need and will provide in abundance. You have the power to exceed our expectations and are capable of doing more than we can imagine. We love You and worship You with gratitude and praise! Amen