What Jesus Did! 'Hands-on Provision' — Mark 6:42-44

Monday, April 20, 2020

[After Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fish and had them distributed, the people] all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftover bread and fish. A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.
— Mark 6:42-44 NLT
Illustration of Mark 6:42-44 NLT — A total of 5,000 men and their families were fed.

Key Thought

Mark made it clear that this was an incredible miracle of provision. People were satisfied. More than five thousand ate. Bread and fish were left over even though they started with only five loaves and two fish. However, we may miss an important part of the story if we do not pay attention. There were twelve baskets of leftovers, one basket for each apostle. Each of them was able to touch this miracle with his own hands. When we offer Jesus our meager resources, he enables us to use those resources to bless others, and we get to have a hands-on experience of his grace.

Today's Prayer

Father, please give me faith to trust that Jesus can make my feeble resources, skills, and intellect more than sufficient to meet the needs of those you want me to serve. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
  • Philippians 4:13, 18-20
  • Matthew 6:24-34

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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.

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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