Wednesday, July 23, 2025  

Today's Scripture
John 6:1–21

After this Jesus went to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, also called the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd kept following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing for the sick. Jesus went up the mountain and sat down there with his disciples. Now the Passover, the festival of the Jews, was near. When he looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread for these people to eat?” He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do. Philip answered him, “Six months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little.” One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place; so they sat down, about five thousand in all. Then Jesus 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. When they were satisfied, he told his disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. When the people saw the sign that he had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”

When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself. When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going. (NRSV)

Reflection

There is so much need in the world. It is overwhelming. It is tempting to shrug your shoulders in the face of the monsoon of human need and say, “There is nothing I can do.” I alone cannot solve world hunger. I cannot house all the people who are unhoused. I cannot end the travesty of war. I am just one person. Jesus walked on water — what do you expect me to do?

But we are not expected to single-handedly solve the world’s problems. But we can take one small step towards a better tomorrow. And my one small step might inspire others to take their own small steps. Or it may just be that the next day I will take another small step to help another in need.

In part, I am jealous of the boy who gives five loaves and two fish. He sees the full impact that his selflessness was able to feed the masses. I may never know the full impact of my generosity, but that is OK.

I am not going to be able to solve the world’s problems. I will not be able to solve Chicago’s problems. But I may be able to make a difference in one person’s day. And that may have a ripple effect towards change. And that is a miracle.

Prayer

God, help me to trust in your abundant provision. Despite being faced with scarcity or challenges, may I rise to the occasion and offer whatever I have to give. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Ministry Team Director

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email