John 6:1-21

               We now see Jesus is on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, which is in the norther part of Israel. And we see Jesus perform two of His most famous miracles.

               Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, was trying to figure out how to feed all of the people that had come to see Jesus. There were about 5,000 men and that is not including the woman and children. In John 6:8 it says, “Philip answered him, ‘Eight months wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’” (NIV 84). But then we see Andrew, another disciple of Jesus, found a boy who wanted to share his food with everyone. It was not a lot, only five barley loaves and two fish, but the boy still wanted to help. Jesus took the bread and fish, prayed, and the disciples gave the food to all who are there. After everyone was full of bread and fish, Jesus told the disciples to gather the leftovers. The disciples gathered twelve baskets of leftovers!

               After their bellies were full, Jesus went to a mountain to pray, but the disciples went ahead head back to Capernaum. They had gotten a boat to travel by sea, because this would have been faster than walking. Since it was getting dark, the men would have wanted to get home sooner rather than later.

               During the night, there was a great storm. Probably this was not a rain storm, but a lot of strong winds. The mountains that surround the Sea of Galilee create various channels for strong winds to be even stronger. Even today, the people that live near the Sea of Galilee know that if there is a storm coming, then you do not go on the water. It would be too difficult and dangerous.

               The disciples had only rowed for three or three and a half miles, as it says in verse 19, they saw something coming towards them. It was Jesus walking on the water! We see in other Gospels that the disciples thought it was a ghost and were terrified. But then, they found out that it was Jesus. They welcomed Him to the boat, and Jesus calmed the storms!

               Whether it was food or safety in a storm, Jesus was about to provide what was needed at the right time. In our lives, we might need food. Or safety. Or countless other needs! As we trust Jesus, He provides what we need, when we need it.

Today, what do you need? Jesus is always there to provide food, comfort, calming a storm, or anything else you may need.