“And Jesus took the loaves; and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would” (John 6:11).

“What do you suppose Jesus said?” Miss Karen asked the boys and girls in her JOY Club class. Though a large number of children had come that night, she seemed to totally have their attention as she leaned into where they were sitting. “Pretend that you were there,” she continued. “There were 5,000 men, plus ladies, plus boys and girls that were very hungry. The Lord Jesus is so strong that He was going to do something very special that only He could do.

“This is called a ‘miracle.’ With five very little loaves of bread and two small fish, He would feed everyone as much as they would like to eat. Everyone!” Miss Karen said with wonder and awe in her voice. “But first, something really important happened,” the JOY Club teacher told them. “Jesus gave thanks. I wonder what He said. If it was important for Jesus to give thanks, do you think it is good for us to give thanks as well?” It was as if the class had practiced. Instantly, spontaneously, there was a loud response, “YES!”

The Lord of all power and glory took the loaves and gave thanks. How will this impact you today?