Miracles, Faith, and Repentance: Lessons from Jesus' Wonders

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Multiplies What We Surrender to Him

When the crowd of thousands was hungry, Jesus took a small offering—just five barley loaves and two fish from a boy—and multiplied it to feed everyone, with baskets of leftovers remaining. This miracle reminds us that no matter how little we have, when we place it in Jesus’ hands, He can do more than we could ever imagine. Even when the need seems overwhelming and our resources seem insignificant, God invites us to trust Him, to offer what we have, and to watch Him provide in ways that defy logic. [11:57]

John 6:5-13 (ESV)
5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?”
6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.”
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,
9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.
11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.
12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.”
13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.

Reflection: What is one “small” thing—your time, a talent, a resource—that you can offer to Jesus today, trusting Him to multiply it for His purposes?

Day 2: Faith in the Storm—Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

When the disciples were caught in a storm, Jesus came to them walking on the water. Peter stepped out in faith, but when he focused on the wind and waves, he began to sink. Jesus immediately reached out and saved him, teaching us that even in our moments of doubt and fear, He is present and ready to help. The storms of life can distract us and make us feel overwhelmed, but Jesus calls us to keep our eyes on Him, to trust Him even when circumstances seem impossible, and to remember that He is greater than any storm we face. [23:21]

Matthew 14:28-33 (ESV)
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Reflection: What “storm” in your life is drawing your attention away from Jesus, and how can you intentionally turn your focus back to Him today?

Day 3: God’s Grace Pursues Us Even When We Fail

Even after Jesus rebuked the towns of Bethsaida and Capernaum for their lack of repentance, He returned to them, performing miracles and showing compassion. This reveals the relentless grace of God—He does not give up on us, even when we are stubborn, slow to repent, or have failed Him before. His love continues to pursue us, offering new chances and fresh mercy. No matter how many times we have turned away or doubted, Jesus invites us back, longing for us to experience His forgiveness and restoration. [32:09]

Matthew 11:20-24 (ESV)
20 Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.
21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
23 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you.”

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you resisted God’s leading or failed to repent, yet He still showed you grace? How can you respond to His pursuing love today?

Day 4: Repentance Brings Joy to Heaven and Freedom to Us

Jesus emphasized the importance of repentance, not just as a one-time act but as a continual turning away from sin and returning to God. Repentance is not about shame, but about freedom and restoration—it brings joy in heaven and healing to our hearts. Examining our lives honestly, confessing where we have strayed, and turning back to God is a cause for celebration in the kingdom of God. Repentance is the doorway to deeper relationship with Jesus and a life marked by His joy. [33:08]

Luke 15:7 (ESV)
7 Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you sense God calling you to repent today, and what step can you take to turn back to Him?

Day 5: God Uses Our Valleys to Grow and Equip Us

The difficult seasons, losses, and struggles we walk through are not wasted; God uses them as training grounds to shape us, deepen our faith, and equip us to help others. The valleys of life—whether illness, grief, or hardship—become the soil where God grows compassion, wisdom, and strength in us. Rather than seeing our trials as pointless, we can trust that God is at work, using even our pain for His glory and our good, preparing us to serve in His kingdom. [40:15]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a recent hardship or valley you’ve experienced—how might God be using it to grow you or to equip you to help someone else?

Sermon Summary

This morning, my heart is overflowing with gratitude as I look around and see so many walking miracles among us—lives touched and healed, stories of recovery and resilience that remind us of God’s faithfulness. Even when gratitude doesn’t come easily, we can still choose to count our blessings and remember the hope we have in Christ. Our church family is a living testimony to God’s goodness, and I’m thankful for each of you, both in person and online.

We are in Mission Statement Month, focusing on growing deeper in God’s love and reaching out in Christ Jesus. Yesterday’s outreach and the success of our fundraising auction are just glimpses of how God multiplies our efforts when we step out in faith. This ties beautifully into the miracle we explored today—the feeding of the five thousand, the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus, even in His grief over John the Baptist’s death, was moved with compassion for the crowds. He took what little was offered—a boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish—and multiplied it to feed thousands. The miracle wasn’t just about the food; it was about Jesus’ heart for people, His ability to provide abundantly, and His invitation for us to trust Him with what we have, no matter how small.

We also looked at the story of Jesus walking on water, meeting His disciples in the midst of a storm. Peter’s boldness to step out of the boat, and his faltering faith, remind us that Jesus calls us to trust Him even when circumstances are frightening. When we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on the storm, we begin to sink, but He is always there to reach out and save us.

What’s striking is that Jesus performed these miracles in places where people had previously rejected Him. In Matthew 11, He rebuked Bethsaida and Capernaum for their lack of repentance, yet He returned to show them grace and power. This is a profound reminder that God’s love persists even when we fall short. He doesn’t give up on us; He keeps reaching out, inviting us to repentance and deeper relationship.

Repentance is not just a one-time act but a continual turning back to God. It brings joy in heaven and transformation in our lives. The valleys and storms we face are not wasted—they are training grounds where God shapes us for His purposes. Through every trial, He is present, inviting us to trust, repent, and grow.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Miracles Flow from Compassion Jesus’ miracles, like feeding the multitudes, were rooted in deep compassion for people, even when He was weary or grieving. His heart is always to meet needs and draw people closer, showing us that true ministry begins with love and empathy. When we offer what little we have, God multiplies it beyond our imagination. [13:09]
2. Repentance Unlocks Deeper Relationship Jesus rebuked the towns that witnessed His miracles but did not repent, yet He still returned to offer grace. Repentance is not about shame but about realigning our hearts with God’s will. Each act of repentance brings joy in heaven and opens us to greater intimacy with Christ. [32:54]
3. Storms Are Training Grounds, Not Punishments The disciples’ storm on the lake was not a punishment but a place where faith was tested and grown. Our own valleys and hardships are opportunities for God to reveal His power and for us to learn trust. Rather than focusing on the storm, we are called to keep our eyes on Jesus, who meets us in our need. [40:15]
4. God’s Pursuit Is Relentless Even when we resist, doubt, or fail to repent, God does not give up on us. He continues to pursue, invite, and restore, offering new chances for transformation. His love is persistent, and He desires relationship with us more than we can comprehend. [32:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:28] - Opening Reflections on Gratitude
[00:56] - Celebrating Miracles in Our Church
[02:18] - Mission Statement Month & Outreach
[03:07] - Fundraising Auction Testimony
[03:45] - Humorous Ministry Candidate Reports
[05:40] - Opening Prayer
[06:21] - Introduction to Jesus’ Miracles Series
[06:43] - The Feeding of the Five Thousand
[08:51] - The Boy’s Gift and Jesus’ Provision
[11:14] - Mark’s Account: Organizing the Miracle
[13:09] - Visualizing the Scale of the Miracle
[17:35] - Jesus Walks on Water
[20:14] - Peter Steps Out in Faith
[23:21] - Worship and Real-Life Application
[25:02] - Healing at Gennesaret
[26:14] - Mapping the Miracles
[27:19] - Digging Deeper into God’s Word
[28:05] - Jesus’ Rebuke and Persistent Grace
[32:09] - God’s Relentless Pursuit
[32:54] - The Call to Repentance
[35:09] - Honest Self-Examination
[36:18] - Surrendering Our Will
[37:43] - Trusting God in the Storm
[39:13] - God’s Presence in Our Valleys
[40:41] - Invitation to Community and Growth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 6:1-14 (ESV) – The Feeding of the Five Thousand — - Matthew 14:22-33 (ESV) – Jesus Walks on Water
- Matthew 11:20-24 (ESV) – Jesus Denounces Unrepentant Cities

Observation Questions

In the story of the feeding of the five thousand, what did Jesus do with the five loaves and two fish before distributing them to the crowd? (John 6:11)
According to Matthew 14, what was Peter’s response when he saw Jesus walking on the water, and what happened when he took his eyes off Jesus? (Matthew 14:28-31)
What was Jesus’ attitude toward the towns of Bethsaida and Capernaum in Matthew 11, and why did He rebuke them? (Matthew 11:20-24)
The sermon mentioned that Jesus performed miracles in places where people had previously rejected Him. What does this reveal about Jesus’ character? [30:42]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to perform the miracle of feeding the five thousand with such a small offering from the boy? What does this say about how God uses what we bring to Him? [13:09]
When Peter stepped out of the boat to walk on water, what does his experience teach us about faith and doubt in the middle of life’s storms? [21:53]
Jesus returned to minister in places where He had been rejected and even rebuked the people for not repenting. What does this tell us about God’s persistence and grace toward us, even when we fall short? [32:09]
The sermon described repentance as a continual turning back to God, not just a one-time act. How does this understanding of repentance challenge or encourage you? [32:54]

Application Questions

The sermon began with stories of gratitude, even when it’s hard to feel thankful. When was the last time you struggled to be grateful? What practical step can you take this week to “count your blessings” even in tough times? [00:28]
Jesus’ miracles flowed from compassion, even when He was tired or grieving. Is there someone in your life right now who needs compassion from you, even if you feel worn out? What’s one small way you can show it? [13:09]
The boy offered his small lunch, and Jesus multiplied it. What is something “small” you have—time, talent, resources—that you could offer to God for Him to use? What’s holding you back from offering it? [13:09]
Peter started to sink when he focused on the storm instead of Jesus. What is a “storm” in your life right now that is distracting you from Jesus? What would it look like to shift your focus back to Him this week? [21:53]
The sermon said that valleys and storms are training grounds, not punishments. Can you think of a hard season in your life that God used to grow your faith or character? How did you see God’s presence during that time? [40:15]
Repentance was described as a continual process that brings joy in heaven. Is there an area in your life where you sense God inviting you to repent or realign your heart with Him? What’s one step you can take today? [32:54]
Jesus didn’t give up on the people who rejected Him. Is there someone in your life you’ve been tempted to give up on? How might God be calling you to keep reaching out or praying for them? [32:09]

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