What Jesus Did! 'Holding the Miracle in Their Hands' — Luke 9:17

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

[After Jesus blessed the five loaves of bread and the two fish and the disciples distributed them to the crowd of more than 5,000 [1] people, they] all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!
— Luke 9:17 NLT

Key Thought

Our story began with Jesus telling his disciples to feed the more than 5,000 people themselves. [1] "Impossible!" was effectively their reply. Yet, when all was said and done, the twelve apostles picked up twelve baskets of leftovers. Each of them got to hold the miracle in his hands. Jesus didn't want a single apostle to miss the point. (He doesn't want us to miss the point either: When Jesus blesses our efforts, he can do incredible, wondrous, and miraculous things through us even if what we bring him is small.) Jesus was preparing the apostles for what would follow in their ministry. One day soon, he would not be physically present to help them, yet they would be called to do the seemingly impossible. He wanted them to know that with his blessing, they could do it. And, as you're reading this, you are living testimony that they did do it. Now he wants you and me to believe the same thing. If we will offer what we have to Jesus for him to bless and use, he can do incredible and miraculous things. The issue isn't one of Jesus' power, but one of our willingness to bring him what we have and who we are.

[1] Luke 9:12-14. There were undoubtedly more than 5,000 if women and children were counted in addition to the men.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the twelve baskets of leftovers. As I offer myself to your service, please use me to bring you glory in big or small ways. Selfishly, dear Father, I ask that occasionally you let me find a "basketful of leftovers" to remind me of your powerful work. However, please help me serve you faithfully even if I never get to hold those "leftovers" in my hands. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:43-51
  • Matthew 21:21
  • Ephesians 1:19-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 9:17 NLT — Holding the Miracle in Their Hands

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.

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