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

  • Ephesians 3:20-21
  • Psalm 66:1-7
  • 2 Corinthians 4:7

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Illustration

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

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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 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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