Jesus was Compassionate

B I B L E  B I T S  &  B I T E S
Devotional for Families

2022 Theme: “Doing Life with Jesus”
Week 11: Jesus was Compassionate
Weekly Bible Bite: Matthew 14:13-21

Video lesson:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fGjybUn5bE (Crossroads Kids Klub – Jesus Feeds 5000)…for older children
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6rj9cAJrWE (Saddleback Kids – Jesus Feeds the 5000)…for younger children

The story of Jesus feeding 5000+ people with just five small loaves and two fish is the only miracle recorded by all four gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It was an incredible miracle and the people were prepared to make Jesus their king on the spot. However, there is something even more amazing about this story…

Earlier that day, Jesus had heard the news that his cousin John the Baptist had been killed (Matthew 14:1-12). Jesus was very sad and just wanted to spend a bit of time away from the crowds. He got in a boat with his disciples and headed out across the lake. Before they arrived, however, a crowd started to gather. Jesus could have decided to choose another location to get away from this persistent crowd. But instead he had compassion on them. He knew they were in need of physical healing, as well as spiritual healing…and he decided to stay. He spent the entire day with the crowd, before he performed this miracle of providing food too.

Jesus was quick to meet the needs of people. He loved people and his compassion for them caused him to take care of them in whatever ways were needed…even when it meant he had to change his own plans.

Family goal:
Do you know someone with a need? What can your family do to help them? ______________________________
[Be sure to pick a measurable goal involving a task so that children will know when they have completed it.]

Weekly verses:
1 John 3:17, NLT – “If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?”

Family activities:
• Colour the picture of the amazing picnic when Jesus fed 5000+ people.
• Draw a picture, then cut it up to put together like a puzzle or use the one provided of the fish and bread.
• Invite friends over to share a picnic with you…outside or inside…you choose!
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Prayer:
Thank you, God that Jesus showed us that we can have compassion for others, even when we are feeling sad. Help us not to focus just on ourselves, but always be willing to lend a helping hand when it is needed.