What Jesus Did! 'Thanks for the Power!' — Matthew 15:34-38

Monday, July 28, 2025

Jesus asked, "How much bread do you have?"

[The disciples] replied, "Seven loaves, and a few small fish."

So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to the disciples, who distributed the food to the crowd.

They all ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were 4,000 men who were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children.

— Matthew 15:34-38 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus gave directions, gave thanks, and gave food so the disciples could give what the people needed to be filled and satisfied. These are wonderful blessings that Jesus gives.

When we look to him and seek to really serve him, he blesses us with power and ability above normal human capacity. This zone of blessing and ministry can also be ours if we will offer Jesus ourselves and remove the things we allow to get in the way of our faith in him.

Today's Prayer

Holy God who delivers, forgives, redeems, empowers, creates, mends, blesses ..., I praise you for these blessings that come to me from your love for me. I don't deserve your love, but I look forward to also receiving it from you one day face-to-face. Until then, please help keep my faith strong. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 15:34-38 NLT — "How much bread do you have?" —— "Seven loaves, and a few small fish."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, July 28, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'He Will Give Them Rest' (Je. 50:34)
"The one who redeems them is strong. his name is the Lord of Heaven's Armies. He will defend them and give them rest."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Kingdom Ambassadors with Power Over Demons'
"Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: ‘Don’t go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel — God’s lost..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by William Langford:
"But all the wickedness in the world that man may do or think is no more to the mercy of God than a live coal dropped in the sea."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Saved from an Evil World' (2 Ti. 3:1-9)
"Dear Father, Savior, Undergird me with your grace during the days of stress that are present in these last times. Keep me from going in the direction..."

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!