John 6:1-21
Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. – John 6:11
There are times in our lives when we might feel like we’re in the middle of a storm. Things around us seem chaotic and out of our control. We might face situations where our resources seem to run dry or things just feel so overwhelming. In our passage today, we see two powerful stories that remind us of how Jesus can provide just what we need and be present with us even in the storm. These accounts invite us to trust Him, even when faced with the most pressing and seemingly impossible situations.
The first event is well-known in the Bible, the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. A massive crowd had been following Jesus, seeking Him because they were hungry and desperate. They had seen the signs that Jesus was doing and they wanted even more from Him. At this point, the huge crowd was hungry and Jesus had compassion on them. He miraculously multiplied the five barley loaves and two fish, to sufficiently feed the entire crowd “as much as they wanted”. And there were even twelve baskets left over, enough for each of the twelve disciples.
This miracle reminds us that we don’t need a lot for Jesus to work with. He simply asks us to bring what we have. When we offer Him our “five loaves and two fish” – perhaps our time, talents or resources – He can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. The twelve baskets of leftovers symbolize His overflowing provision. Those who serve and trust Him will never lack.
The second event came later that evening when the disciples got into a boat and found themselves caught in the middle of a raging storm. The darkness and chaos must have been overwhelming. The waters could have easily swallowed them up and they would have perished right there. But Jesus came to them, walking on the water. He comforted them with the words, “It is I; do not be afraid”. The phrase “It is I” echoes the divine name that was revealed to Moses at the burning bush – YHWH, or “I AM WHO I AM”. Reminding us that Jesus is divine – the One who has power over Creation because He is the Creator.
In this second miracle, Jesus rises above the waves and steps into the same boat as His disciples, bringing them safely to their destination. In the same way, when we feel like we are about to be swallowed up by the storms, we can take heart knowing that He sees us, He will step into the same boat as us, and He will carry us through the storm.
Whatever you are facing today, look to Jesus and trust in Him. He is the “I AM”, the One who will be just what you need and has the power to see you through the storm and will never leave you. Trust Him with your “five loaves and two fish”, and watch what He can do. And when the waves rise up, listen for His voice: “It is I; do not be afraid”.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the One who meets our every need. Help us to trust You with what little we have, knowing You can multiply it for Your glory. When life feels overwhelming, remind us that You are near, and Your presence will see us through. Strengthen our faith to believe that You are enough, no matter what we face. Jesus, in Your name we pray. Amen.
There are times in our lives when we might feel like we’re in the middle of a storm. Things around us seem chaotic and out of our control. We might face situations where our resources seem to run dry or things just feel so overwhelming. In our passage today, we see two powerful stories that remind us of how Jesus can provide just what we need and be present with us even in the storm. These accounts invite us to trust Him, even when faced with the most pressing and seemingly impossible situations.
The first event is well-known in the Bible, the feeding of the five thousand with five loaves and two fish. A massive crowd had been following Jesus, seeking Him because they were hungry and desperate. They had seen the signs that Jesus was doing and they wanted even more from Him. At this point, the huge crowd was hungry and Jesus had compassion on them. He miraculously multiplied the five barley loaves and two fish, to sufficiently feed the entire crowd “as much as they wanted”. And there were even twelve baskets left over, enough for each of the twelve disciples.
This miracle reminds us that we don’t need a lot for Jesus to work with. He simply asks us to bring what we have. When we offer Him our “five loaves and two fish” – perhaps our time, talents or resources – He can do immeasurably more than we can imagine. The twelve baskets of leftovers symbolize His overflowing provision. Those who serve and trust Him will never lack.
The second event came later that evening when the disciples got into a boat and found themselves caught in the middle of a raging storm. The darkness and chaos must have been overwhelming. The waters could have easily swallowed them up and they would have perished right there. But Jesus came to them, walking on the water. He comforted them with the words, “It is I; do not be afraid”. The phrase “It is I” echoes the divine name that was revealed to Moses at the burning bush – YHWH, or “I AM WHO I AM”. Reminding us that Jesus is divine – the One who has power over Creation because He is the Creator.
In this second miracle, Jesus rises above the waves and steps into the same boat as His disciples, bringing them safely to their destination. In the same way, when we feel like we are about to be swallowed up by the storms, we can take heart knowing that He sees us, He will step into the same boat as us, and He will carry us through the storm.
Whatever you are facing today, look to Jesus and trust in Him. He is the “I AM”, the One who will be just what you need and has the power to see you through the storm and will never leave you. Trust Him with your “five loaves and two fish”, and watch what He can do. And when the waves rise up, listen for His voice: “It is I; do not be afraid”.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the One who meets our every need. Help us to trust You with what little we have, knowing You can multiply it for Your glory. When life feels overwhelming, remind us that You are near, and Your presence will see us through. Strengthen our faith to believe that You are enough, no matter what we face. Jesus, in Your name we pray. Amen.