We serve an amazing God. His miracles, no matter how often we witness or hear about them, amaze us every time. Why are we so amazed by these mighty acts, when we know the One who performs them is the master of miracles? Shouldn’t we by now expect nothing less from the God who loves us and sent His own Son to die for us?
Even the twelve disciples who followed Him daily were constantly amazed by the healing, casting out of demons, turning the water to wine…all the things that Jesus did to prove that He was who He said He was…all these things never ceased to amaze even those closest to Him. But still, it was not enough to convince most of the religious leaders of the day. Many People today are not impressed by His miracles…at least not to the point where they are willing to believe and accept Him as their personal Savior.
Still we, His followers, are amazed every time we hear a prayer was answered or something we thought was impossible happens. In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John we are given four different accounts of many of the miracles Jesus performed and the reactions of those that witnessed them. Many were so amazed that they gathered in huge crowds to hear Him speak and brought their sick and afflicted to Him for healing and restoration.
Each Gospel gives an account of one event that took place when Jesus was preaching. Over 5,000 had gathered and the day was about over when Jesus realized the people were getting hungry. The disciples suggested that He send the people away to find their own food, but Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.”
Among the crowd, Andrew found a lad with two fish and five loaves of bread and took it to Jesus. “What are they,” Andrew asked, “among so many?”
Jesus took the food and after giving thanks to God, handed them to the disciples to distribute to the people. All were fed and twelve baskets were left over. Jesus said, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing be lost.” It has been suggested that twelve baskets remained…one for each of the 12 disciples… an example of how Jesus takes care of those who serve Him.
Those who witnessed this miracle agreed that Jesus truly was the prophet that should come into the world. Later He preached to them about the “bread of life” and urged them to receive Him just as they had received the food. But most of them followed Him only to be fed. John 6: 26
Shortly after the feeding of the 5,000 the disciples were on a ship being tossed about by the waves in a storm at sea when Jesus came towards them, walking on the water. “Be of good cheer,” He told them. “It is I. Be not afraid.” Mark 6: 51 tells us: And he went up unto them in the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure.
They were amazed that the One who fed 5,000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves was also able to calm the winds of a raging storm. Many more times they were amazed beyond measure by the works He did and the miracles He performed…the greatest one being the changes He made in the hearts of men. Let’s just be honest, we serve an amazing God…and though we might come to expect it, may we never cease to be amazed beyond measure by the wonders of His grace and unconditional love. His amazing ways are able to save our souls and forever draw us closer to Him.
