More Than Enough in His Hands (Matthew 14:13–21)

Scripture of the Day: Matthew 14:13–21

14:16 “But Jesus said to them, ‘They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.’”

14:20 “They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.”

WEB

In Matthew 14:13–21, a large crowd follows Jesus into a quiet place. They are hungry, tired, and far from home. The disciples see the problem clearly: there is not enough food. But Jesus sees something different. He takes five loaves and two fish, gives thanks, and begins to distribute them. What seemed small becomes more than enough. This miracle reminds us that in Jesus’ hands, even the simplest offering can overflow with abundance.

The disciples were practical. Evening was approaching, and thousands of people needed food. Their solution made sense: send the crowds away to find something to eat.

But Jesus responds, “You give them something to eat.”

Imagine how impossible that must have sounded. Five loaves and two fish could never satisfy so many. The disciples focused on what they lacked. Jesus focused on what was available.

A boy’s simple lunch became the starting point for a miracle. Jesus did not ignore the small offering. He received it. He gave thanks. He broke the bread. And as it was shared, it multiplied.

Every person ate. Not a few. Not most. All were filled. And afterward, twelve baskets of leftovers remained. God’s provision was not barely enough. It overflowed.

This story teaches us something important about faith and generosity. Often, we hesitate because what we have feels too small—our time, our resources, our talents. We think, “It’s not enough.”

But Jesus asks us to place what we have into His hands. The miracle begins with surrender. The multiplication belongs to Him.

The image of Jesus standing beside the child holding a basket reminds us that God works through willing hearts. He honors simple offerings.

When we trust Him with what little we have, He reveals that His supply is far greater than our limitations.

More than enough is found in His hands.

Why do you think the disciples wanted to send the crowd away?

What does Jesus’ response reveal about His heart?

Have you ever felt like what you had to offer was too small?

What might God be asking you to place in His hands?

How does this story encourage trust in God’s provision?

Lord Jesus, thank You for caring about our needs and for providing more than we expect. Forgive us when we focus on what we lack instead of trusting Your abundance. Help us offer You what we have, even when it feels small. Teach us to give with grateful hearts and confident faith. Multiply our efforts for Your glory and use our lives to bless others. May we always remember that in Your hands, there is more than enough. Amen.

Offer one small act of generosity this week—your time, help, or encouragement—and trust God to use it beyond what you can see.

Today's Free Printable

Matthew 14:13–21 – Jesus Feeds the 5000 – Devotional Drawing Page

Matthew 14:13–21 – Jesus Feeds the 5000 – Devotional Drawing Page

How to use this printable

How to Use This Printable as Part of a Devotional

This page is designed to fit naturally into personal, family, or group devotional time.
Rather than simply reading the passage, this approach invites you to slow down and engage
with Scripture visually and reflectively.

1. Begin With Stillness

Before reading, take a quiet moment. You may wish to sit in silence for 30–60 seconds,
pray briefly for understanding, or ask God to help you notice something meaningful.
Devotional drawing works best when unhurried.

2. Read the Scripture Slowly

Read the passage listed at the top of the page. If possible, read it once silently, then
read it again aloud. Pause between readings.

  • Notice words or phrases that stand out
  • Pay attention to emotions in the scene
  • Watch for actions, reactions, or surprises

3. Observe the Starter Image

Look carefully at the simple illustration on the page. It captures only part of the moment.
Consider what might be happening just outside the frame and what details the passage includes
that are not shown.

4. Draw as Reflection

Begin drawing the rest of the scene. As you draw, let it become part of your meditation on the
Scripture. There is no correct interpretation—the act of drawing helps you linger with the text.

  • Draw the environment or setting
  • Add other people in the story
  • Show movement or stillness
  • Use light, distance, or atmosphere to express meaning

5. Pause and Reflect

When you finish drawing, take another moment to reflect. You may find it helpful to ask:

  • What did I notice that I might have missed otherwise?
  • How does this scene reveal God’s character?
  • What does this moment teach about trust, obedience, fear, or faith?
  • How might this apply to my life today?

You can journal, pray, discuss, or sit quietly.

6. Close With Prayer

End your devotional by responding in prayer. You might thank God for what you noticed, ask for
strength related to the passage, or reflect on how the scene connects to your current season.

Using This in Different Devotional Settings

Personal Quiet Time

Use one page alongside your daily Scripture reading and return to it later in the day.

Family Devotions

Read together, draw separately, then share what each person noticed (no correcting—everyone sees it differently).

Small Groups or Church

Allow quiet drawing time, then invite voluntary sharing and discussion.

A Gentle Reminder

This is not about artistic skill. It is about slowing down, paying attention, and creating space
for Scripture to settle more deeply. Even simple drawings can lead to meaningful insight.

Download

Color This Printable Online

Launch the interactive coloring studio to draw, erase, undo, and export your artwork as PNG.

Share This Devotional