The Generous Fisherman

La Voz Alegre

Media Give App

The Generous Fisherman

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

John 6:1–14

About the video:

Crowds of people were following Jesus to hear him teach and witness his miracles. Showing concern for the people, Jesus asked his disciples if there was anything available to feed the people gathered that day. It turns out that all they could find was a boy who had a basket of fish and bread.

Taking this small amount of food, Jesus blessed it and told the disciples to distribute it as far as it could go. Miraculously, the supply multiplied, and over 5000 people were fed by what Jesus had produced using the power of God. And there was leftover once everyone was fully fed.

The people were amazed at this miracle and their fascination with Jesus and his powers made them want to hear more from this prophet from God.

Questions to Consider:

How do you think you would feel if you had seen Jesus multiplying the bread and fishes that day?

How do you think the miracle affected the little boy’s belief in Jesus?

If Jesus can use the little boy’s two fish to feed 5,000 people, how could he use what little you have to do something for others?

Do you think Jesus can do great things for others through you?

Background to the Story:

This story basically follows John 6:1-14 with a few additions from parallel stories in Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44 and Luke 9:10-17. This miracle is one of the few that is recorded in all four gospels.

The story also shows that some people follow Jesus only for what they may gain from him rather than because they desire to faithfully become his disciples.

Reference - John 6:1-14

The History Lesson

Luke 2:8–20

About this video: The birth of the Jesus began with a series of miraculous events which ended with his arrival in a humble animal stable. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were simply following God’s direction and made the journey by donkey to the town of Bethlehem where the baby was born. Then, in the days that followed, angels appeared and announced the birth to shepherds in nearby fields, who then sought the newborn Messiah foretold by their forefather years ago. Based on the story found in Luke 2, this video shows how the shepherds’ lives were changed that night as they became eyewitnesses to the birth of the Messiah. Questions to consider: How do you think the shepherds felt when the angel first appeared to them? Why do you think God chose the shepherds to announce the birth of his Son in Bethlehem? Why not tell the religious leaders? How would Joseph and Mary feel having a group of shepherds knocking on the door wanting to see the baby Jesus and telling them about the angel’s visit? Do you think any of the shepherds became followers of Jesus as he grew up? Background to the story: This story of the shepherds is recorded only in the book of Luke (2:8-20). Luke records three angelic visits preparing the world for the birth of Jesus. The angels visited Zechariah (John the Baptist’s father), Mary, and the shepherds. Luke often includes stories and reactions of common people who meet Jesus and hear his teachings. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3a8-20&version=niv

Helping the Outcast

Mark 1:39–45

About this video: Jesus had a reputation of healing the sick and helping the lame to walk. So when a man with leprosy approached him for help, He responded to the man’s belief that he could help heal his diseased body. Jesus responded by completely healing the man as the crowds watched. Many people were amazed as they witnessed the healing miracle. Jesus then told the man to go show his clean body to the priests and temple leaders so that they would know that Jesus has the power of God. Going away, the man could hardly contain his joy and ran to show his family and friends that he was healed. No longer would he need to live separated from his family and friends. Questions to consider: How do you think the man’s family and friends felt when they saw he had been cleansed and was able to return to his home? Do you think his family and friends came to believe in Jesus because of his healing? How do you think the man acted toward his friends in the lepers’ camp after his healing? If you had a sick person and Jesus was nearby, would you take them to Jesus and ask for healing? Background to the story: This story follows Mark 1:39-45. Parallel stories for this book are found in Matthew 8:1-4 and Luke 5:12-16. (Matthew’s version follows Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.) Jesus breaks traditional cleanliness by touching the leprous man. It is a mark of Jesus' great compassion for him and his condition and Jesus' power over leprosy. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+1%3a39-45&version=niv

The Bedmaker

Mark 2:1–12

About this Video: A man, lame from birth, hears that the miracle worker named Jesus is teaching in his village and calls his friends to help him go to see him. Not discouraged by the large crowds, the friends lower the man through the roof to be near Jesus, who recognizes the lame man’s faith and heals his body and soul. Most of the focus of this story is on Jesus' miraculous power in healing the lame man and the source of his authority to forgive sins. But the other part of this story is how this miracle changed the lame man long after Jesus left. What happened to him and what kind of work did he begin to do once he could walk and move about? Questions to Consider: What did the people in the crowded room think when the men on the roof began to open a hole to let someone enter from above? What do you think the lame man said to Jesus after being healed? Now that he could walk and move, what do you think the people said about Jesus after witnessing this healing? Background to the Story: It is easy to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” but proving that would be hard. On the other hand, saying, “Get up, take your mat and walk” is much easier to prove his power. Isa knew and understood that doubters would benefit from witnessing both. When the teachers of the law question his healing of the lame man, they were ultimately asking him to also prove he had the authority and power to forgive sins. Reference - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+2%3a1-12&version=niv