What Jesus Did! 'Attracting a Crowd' — John 6:1-2

Saturday, April 18, 2026

After [his confrontation with the Jewish leaders], Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick.
— John 6:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

Folks follow the show, especially if they can get something for free. This chapter begins with a huge crowd that was seeking to commandeer Jesus' ministry for their own reasons. It ends with most of them turning away. However, we also get to see what makes up the heart of a true disciple who does not turn away from Jesus just because things grow tough. [1] A point we ought to see here is that when we do acts of kindness, service, and genuine compassion in the name of Jesus, people can't help but be attracted. Yes, some will turn away when hard times or difficult truths confront them, but others will come to Jesus and be saved and blessed. So let's serve and bless and let Jesus take care of the rest!

[1] John 6:68.

Today's Prayer

Lord God, Father of mercy and God of all compassion, use me to serve others in the name of Jesus. Give me courage not to compromise his truth, but also give me compassion to serve others as he did. In his name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of John 6:1-2 NLT — A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 18, 2026

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Storm Died Down' (Ps. 107:28-31)
"You called out to GOD in your desperate condition... He quieted the wind down to a whisper, put a muzzle on all the big waves. And you were so glad..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Truly Cares' (Lk. 12:28-30)
"And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Changing Paul's Mission' (Acts 22:17-21)
"[Emphasizing what Jesus called him to do after his conversion, Paul continued his defense to the Jewish attackers who thought he took a Gentile into...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Be Faithful!'
"Dear Friend, I want you to feel the urgency in today's words that Paul wrote to Timothy. They come from the last of Paul's writings to his son in the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!