November 9, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“…Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” -Matthew 14:19
As Jesus traveled through towns and villages, he taught, shared scripture, and told stories to help everyone he met better understand what the kingdom of God should look like. Perhaps the best way he demonstrated God’s kingdom was by his own examples. One of the ways that Jesus set an example is through his actions at the table and before significant meals. At the beginning of these meals, Jesus demonstrates the importance of gratitude.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus had been traveling from village to village around the Sea of Galilee. He and his disciples had just received word that Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had died. They set out to find a quiet spot to be by themselves. A large crowd of over 5,000 followed. What happens next is one of the greatest miracles in the New Testament.
There was not enough food for such a large gathering. The disciples wanted Jesus to send the people away. Jesus had them sit on the grass. He took the five loaves of bread and the two fish the disciples had, and He looked up to heaven. Jesus gave thanks. (Matthew 14:19)
The rest of this miracle story is well known. The entire crowd was fed. God’s compassion and power were shown to the people. This story still inspires God’s people today.
The example Jesus gave at this meal is significant. Jesus demonstrates that gratitude comes first. It is easy to read past this part of the story as we look forward to the great miracle to come. However, Jesus offers thanks to God first. After this moment of giving thanks to God, “from whom all blessings flow,” there is a time of generous abundance. But first…gratitude! We have much to be thankful for, and the more we practice gratitude, the more we will see that God has blessed and is blessing more and more.
Today is a good day to give thanks. I encourage you to grow still, take out a piece of paper, and write a gratitude list today. Write the names of the people who have made a difference in your life. List the blessings you have in your life. As this week continues, add to the list. God is doing great things among us. Gratitude opens our eyes to see how blessed we truly are today.
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
