INTRODUCTION

Jesus Feeds Thousands

Bible Point

God meets our needs.

Key Verse

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Big Picture

God knows and meets your needs.

Jesus Feeds Thousands

John 6:1-15

There are times that it is hard to tell the difference between needs and wants. It can feel like we really need certain things, while at the same time, some people around us may have real needs that are not being met.

This week, we will learn how to recognize the difference between needs and wants and remember that God cares for what we truly need. We will also think about how we can help meet the needs of others.

PLANTING THE SEED

Imagine being hungry. Really hungry. And you’ve spent all day listening to Jesus teach. Pretty amazing stuff. But your stomach’s making noises, and the only food is a kid’s lunch of fish and bread. You’re one among thousands! Math’s not your best subject, but you know that one kid’s lunch won’t cut it. Then Jesus starts feeding everybody. We’re talking everybody! With leftovers! Isn’t it awesome that God would expect us to turn to God for the needs that we have? God wants us to depend on God. It’s as if God is standing at the bottom of a deep cavern saying to us, “Go ahead and jump. I have big hands and I long to catch you.“ We can trust God to care for us and provide what we truly need. What an awesome truth. (John 6:1-15)

• What does it mean to trust in God?

• What things in your life do you need to rearrange in order to depend on God more?

FAMILY FUN

Get together with your family this week and have each person draw a picture of their trust level for God to meet their needs. For example, if a family member has deep trust in God, they could draw a picture of hugging God. Or if a family member feels far away, they could draw God on one side of the paper and themself at the other end. Then talk about how each person got to that trust level and what, if anything, needs to change.

READY, SET, GROW!

• Instead of choosing a Daily Challenge this week, use your index cards from Sabbath School to remind you to pray and trust God to take care of your needs this week. Ask God to help you be content even if you don’t get your wants.