Bible Verses for week commencing  25 February 2024.

Foreword

“You give them something to eat.” Jesus’ disciples were staggered . “Give them something to eat? We have nothing but five loaves and two fish.”

Taking the loaves and fish, He gave thanks, broke the loaves and fish and then gave them to the disciples to distribute. When all (5000 men, plus women and children) were satisfied, the disciples gathered twelve baskets (a basketful for each disciple) of leftovers.

(See Matthew 14:13-21: Feeding of the Five Thousand). This miracle by Jesus (very likely that more than 10,000 people; 5000 men, plus an unknow number of women and children were fed and satisfied) and twelve baskets of leftovers were collected, from five loaves and two fish.

Introduction

The miracle: Feeding of the Five Thousand, for example, is a spiritual lesson and also a confidence-builder for all believers/disciples of every generation.

Theme

“Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”


Sunday

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Matthew 14:22-24.


Monday

When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

Matthew 14:26.


Tuesday

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Matthew 14:27.


Wednesday

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

Matthew 14:28.


Thursday

“Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Matthew 14:29-30.


Friday

Immediately Jesus reached out his hands and caught him. “you of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:31.


Saturday

Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

And when the men of that place recognised Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country.

People brought all their sick to him and begged  him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.

Matthew 14:33-34.


Conclusion

There was a storm (Jesus does not promise us calm waters all the time). Peter had his eyes on Jesus and walked on water; he took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink, but Jesus saved him.

Note: Peter was the only one who took a step off the boat and started to walk to Jesus, Peter took a chance. 

Peter subsequently had a story to tell for the rest of his life!

Are you going to allow God to use you to tell His-tory?

Miracles, walking on water, giving thanks, healing of the sick, etc., Jesus said that His disciples and us (believers in Him) can do all these things.  

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13.