The disciples are astounded as Jesus walks across the sea and heals people.
The growing reputation of Jesus preceded him.
God’s “normal” is supernatural.
When humans witness something that doesn’t fit neatly within past experiences or knowledge, our default emotion is terror.
Do not be afraid!
When helping people process God’s supernatural nature, encourage them “do not fear”.
Jesus, remind me of your glorious reputation and let that melt my fears.
Jesus miraculously feeds 5,000+ people with one sack lunch.
So far this miracle has the most first-hand eyewitnesses. Amazed!
God is interested in building the faith of his servants- equipping them for his mission.
Men’s physical and spiritual hunger is mostly greater than our faith.
Trust Jesus to do the seemingly impossible.
Even with Jesus some were more interested in the bread than the Bread of Life. Don’t be shocked or surprised…it still happens today.
Jesus, you are the source of all nourishment. Help us enjoy you all of our days.
John the Baptist is martyred.
In a way John’s untimely death solidified his reputation as a prophet.
God’s plans can include temporary suffering of the faithful.
Some people are wicked at any cost. Some people are faithful at any cost.
Do not fear consequences of righteous actions.
Don’t gloss over the fact of possible consequences for being faithful.
God, help me to endure. Give wisdom and strength to do what is right no matter what.
Jesus is rejected by his hometown then sends his disciples on a mission.
People are seeing the tension of belief in Jesus’ power and authority.
Even Jesus was amazed (v.6) at unbelief- even with his miracles.
Some people reject Jesus no matter what.
Receive Jesus’ message and joyfully repeat it to others.
Some people will not receive Jesus. Shake it off and move along.
Lord, help me live undistracted.
People are amazed at Jesus healing a woman then raising a little girl from the dead!
The healing was pleasantly accepted. The resurrection- not so much. Minds were blown…beyond comprehension.
God is all powerful and boundless.
Our minds, like our faith, are finite.
God is “other”…not like humans (not even the best of the best moments). Remember that always.
Sometimes even seeing is not believing. Be patient and persistent. God does the real convincing.
Nothing is impossible for you, Lord.
Jesus heals a raging demon possessed man.
I imagine early hearers/readers of this would want to hear from people of this region to corroborate this account.
Jesus is fully able to save.
Men can be enslaved by terrible evil.
Remember no one is beyond saving.
People shouldn’t be written off as “too far gone”. Jesus has a way of transforming the darkest of despair to dazzling light for all to see.
Jesus, help me bring your message of hope to everyone.
Jesus calm the sea and his disciple freak out.
Amazed! The disciples had seen Jesus heal, but this act of commanding nature? Unheard of.
Jesus is unflappable.
Circumstances can put tremendous tension on our faith. At these times we will find out what we really trust in.
Trust Jesus.
Be quick to point people in crisis to Jesus.
Lord, nothing is above your command. Increase my faith.
Jesus continues to use parables to uncover the once hidden Kingdom.
It was probably difficult to unlearn long-held but erroneous ideas of the Kingdom of God.
God’s Kingdom is surprising. One day nothing is seen- but God is at work beneath the surface. The harvest seems instant, but all along the mostly unnoticed process was steadily growing.
Mankind is short sighted.
Always remember and relish that God is at work.
You never know what God is growing beneath the surface.
Father, you are the source of all life. And you grow beautiful things.
Jesus uses a parable to explain all kinds of people.
Jesus was likely telling this parable ABOUT the crowd (not just to the crowd).
God is a generous sower.
All distributed seeds do not thrive equally.
Sow broadly and remember these words from Jesus.
The world is a mixed bag. Some will receive the word. Some won’t.
Father, help me be faithful to sow. I trust you to do the rest.
Jesus is accused of wielding Satanic power.
Early readers would recognize the gaslighting instigated here by the power hungry religious leaders. Their goal was to discredit “the new guy” at all cost.
Jesus is extremely patient.
There are always wicked people who will defend poorly thought out views regardless of evidence, facts, or logic.
Recognize and credit God’s work.
Follow Jesus’ example dealing with difficult people (as described in the down arrow above).
Father, empower me to have the demeanor of Christ (not just the mission).
