Story Time with Jesus
Bible Stories
Chapters 101-112
101-Choosing the 12
102-New Life and Living Water
103-Comforting and Restoring
104-Fever Cured Immediately
105-Four Men and a New Idea
106-Helping and Healing
107-Mountain Meetings
108-Stilling the Storm
109-Twelve Years
110-Power to Preach
111-Feeding Thousands 
112-Walking on the Water
(Jesus speaking: )
Choosing the 12
A night of solemn prayer was spent alone with My Father on a mountain. It was time to make some life-changing choices for some of My many followers. There were many who “enjoyed the ride,” who wanted the miracles and who were interested in what I had to say when they were around Me. And I was glad for those that wanted to learn more about the Heavenly way.
However, I needed to choose who I would have as close co-workers, travel companions and all-the-way followers—those who would give up the comforts of family and home and put the needs of the Kingdom of God first. Those who would help to create a large family with God as the Father, and wouldn’t be too focused on their own needs and wants.
It was to be a special time of lots of hard work, as well as getting to see first hand many miracles, and I needed those with a lot of faith who could help Me do the job—not just be there for the enjoyment of getting to hear and see wonderful things.
As I was on the mountain, alone, talking to My Heavenly Father, He spoke to Me about each of the possible men that could be chosen for the selected team. Others would still be followers and would go on trips here and there, and get to hear Me speak. The choice and question that I was praying about and getting My Father’s advice on was who should be on the close team of stay-with-Me followers?
As I listened to My Father’s voice I was given insight into what made each of these 12 men the right ones for the job. When the night had passed, I felt confident that the ones I’d talked with My Father about and chosen to do the job were the right team.
As I descended the mountain and looked around I saw many who were eager to hear what was on My mind. I then called and chose the special team of 12 men. Each one felt a mixture of emotions. Glad and relieved to be worthy of this honour and privilege, and also a bit scared and worried. Would they be able to live up to My expectations? Would they fail Me in this mission of reaching the world with My truth? Could they bear the loss and the troubles and the difficulties that they would face, or would they weaken and give up? 
These newly chosen close-team of disciples came with Me apart from the multitude for a while, so we could talk and pray together. I encouraged them. I instructed them. I reassured them of My love and My Father’s love for each one of them. It wasn’t a contest to see who could be the best and the bravest or perform the most signs and miracles. It was just a matter of the heart. Would they choose to love Me with all their heart? Love Me enough to put the needs of others, and the need of spreading the Good News to all, first and foremost in their lives? 
How could they build such a strong love for God and for Me as their Saviour, a love that would enable them to go any distance to do whatever needed to be done to win people to the Kingdom of Heaven? It was simple. All they had to do was to pray for it, to want it more than anything else, and to not give up praying for this love to burn in their hearts. 
There was nothing extraordinarily wonderful and extra special about these guys in the physical. They all had sins, problems, and human weakness. They made all kinds of mistakes. None of them had a spotless past, and all had done things that they weren’t too proud of. But I loved and forgave them anyway, and gave them a chance at a new life. Just like I can do for anyone on Earth who comes to Me and likewise wants to be My follower.
These men made the right choice to stick with Me, even when things got rough, even when others were making things real hard for us, even when people didn’t believe the truth we came to bring to them. It was very sad and hurt our hearts when those we came to help, rather than being grateful and wishing to learn more from Me and My disciples, spoke unkindly and rudely and called us names and made us leave certain places.
But those that did hear My Word and the message of My love and received the gift of healing that I and My disciples were offering, made all the tough times worth it. Those people that flocked to us just for a chance to hear something that would lift and encourage them, made us glad we were there giving our all to save them. And those that showed great faith in My power to heal and restore, received the marvellous answers to their needs and requests. 
There were times of heartache as we saw some of the other followers leave us, when the going got a bit too tough, or people were filled with disbelief. But the beautiful times we had communing with My Father, and our times spent in prayer gave us the renewed strength to persevere and finish the job we set out to do. 
Each of these specially called disciples had some things about them that were drawbacks, and some things that were real assets. For example, some of them had a hasty temper and would get moody and grumpy easily, but they also had great faith that whatever I said was the truth. As a result they received power from My Father to work wonderful miracles in My name and to preach the word to many.
Some were often sick and in need of the extra care of others, and this made them less buoyant and not able to work quite as hard or travel quite as far as some of the others. But this too had its good side and My Father allowed it to teach compassion and brotherhood. We were a team, and as long as we looked out for one another and helped each other make it through, then we would be successful. 
It wasn’t a success if just a few of the stronger ones could go and do all these amazing things in My name, if they didn’t manifest real love and care and compassion for the one who was right beside them. This served as a practical example of how to show love and what I meant when I said, “love one another,” and “as you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”
As we travelled abroad sometimes we met those we wish we could have stayed longer with, as we would have enjoyed their company. But we all had to put the needs of the mission first. Each one of My disciples had their times of forsaking and feeling the hurt of giving up something or someone that was special to them. Not one of them escaped that trial. But because they chose to use those few years that I had with them on Earth to do My will first of all, as we had so little time to do it in, then they were wonderfully blessed. 
I told them that whatever they gave up in order to help teach others My Word, and give My love to others, I would make sure that they got back 100 times more in return. –Rewards there on Earth, as well as in Heaven! If they had chosen to put their own wishes first, things wouldn’t have worked out so well for them. But putting God’s needs and wishes first, brought them more amazing payback than they ever could imagine. 
Still today, thousands of years later, these faithful ones are continuing to receive reward after reward for all they did for Me—along with the many countless others who, down throughout history, put My calling and will first and suffered for it. Each one who chooses to love Me and follow in My ways above all, will be blessed many, many times over. 
***
New Life and Living Water
As My disciples and I travelled around teaching, preaching and healing, we met many people from all walks of life. Some were considered real important, some were despised of others, some thought well of themselves, others were looked down on by most people, and thought little of themselves. 
One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus wanted to talk with me. There were plenty of those he worked with during the day that weren’t too sure if I was really who I and others said I was. He wanted to talk with Me privately without others disturbing him or giving him a hard time. Nicodemus came to see Me secretly and was able to get many of his questions answered. His heart was eager to know what I had to say, and how to get closer to God. 
I explained that receiving My gift of salvation is like starting a new life. Just like a baby is starting their life on Earth when they are born, so it is when people receive Me into their life and are forgiven and are filled with God’s Holy Spirit—it’s like the start of a new life. They are then God’s child and start to learn new things. At first Nicodemus didn’t understand and wondered what I meant when I explained that it was like he needed to be “born again”. 
Did that mean he had to all of a sudden be a tiny baby on earth again? But I wasn’t talking about his body—I was trying to give him an example to explain that receiving Me as His Saviour and believing on Me as God’s Son, was like the beginning of a new life of faith and joy. He was an old man, and it was nice to think about being young again! And if He believed on Me and received God’s gift of salvation, his spirit would feel so alive and fresh and young!
Just like a baby learns to walk and talk, people who receive God’s gift of love can then learn how to do things in new ways—new, Godly, loving ways. The words they say, the places they go, the things they do are to be what makes Me happy. As they learn from My Word what to do and how to be, it’s like a child learning and studying things. And just as a child needs exercise, those who are the children of God can exercise their faith through prayer and belief in My loving care. Just like a child needs good food to grow, so do those who are born again into a new life in spirit need spiritual nourishment through reading God’s Word and taking time to talk and listen to Me. 
I talked with many people one at a time while I was on Earth. There was a time for healing and helping the multitudes, and a time to tell people individually about God’s love and the words from Heaven that would change their lives and the lives of others they would have an effect on. To reach the people who were eager to know the truth of God’s words I often had to do things contrary to the way they were always done. For example the day I spoke to a woman who had gone to draw water from the city well.
It was not the custom for just any man to be sitting around talking with any lady that walked on by. Also, it wasn’t considered the normal thing for those called, “Jews” who were the Israelites that lived in one part of the land, to interact with those living in Samaria. At that time they didn’t talk with them or even travel through their part of the country.
So it was very surprising to My disciples when they saw Me sitting by a well in Samaria talking with a woman! We had to travel through the land of Samaria and we hungry and thirsty. The well was outside of the main town. My disciples went to the town to find some food to buy, while I sat and rested by the well. I had a job to do there. While I was sitting alone then came a woman to get water from the well, and I asked her for some as she had a water pot to draw some with.
This surprised her very much that I would be doing something so unusual as to talk with her—since she was both a woman and a Samaritan. But I wasn’t looking at her nationality or even her gender. I was looking on her heart. I knew that she had a rough life and things had made her sad. I knew also that she believed that a Messiah would come. She knew about the prophecies that foretold that I would come. 
I spoke with her and she was so eager and ready to believe, I didn’t have to say much and she was so excited and knew that I was the Messiah, and it made her so very happy. For her I used a different example to help her understand about receiving My Spirit and believing on Me. I said it’s like drinking living water—that makes you never have to be thirsty again. Drawing water was a hard job and had to be done daily. It was heavy work to bring the water up from the well, and then to carry it all the way home, every day. Being thirsty without water was never nice, and it took a walk in the hot sun to go and get more water if it had run out.  So to think about never feeling thirsty again was a nice thought. 
But more than the discomfort of being thirsty, it was her heart that was in need of the life-giving waters of My words and love. She drank into her spirit and heart all that I had to say. And did you know that the word “believe” comes from the word “to drink in”? This is what I was talking to her about. To love God and to  believe and receive Me as His son was like taking a big fresh glass of spiritual water, and she would never feel that sad feeling again of wondering if God loved her, and wondering if she’d ever be able to go to Heaven. I would forgive her for her mistakes and wrong doings and clean her heart with the water of God’s Word and love and she would feel just great!
As I was talking to her she knew something was special and different about Me, and then didn’t want to wait a second more to tell others about My visit to their city. She ran so fast to the town—leaving her water pot there so she could go as fast as possible. She had the same enthusiasm as the shepherds who saw Me in the stable on the night I was born. She too, after meeting Me, went to tell everyone she could in her town about Me, telling them that she met the Messiah, and I was right there that day!
While I was talking with her, My disciples came back and saw her listening and getting more and more convinced that I was the Christ, the special promised one. After she ran to tell everyone, My disciples came and offered Me the food they’d bought, knowing how tired and hungry I was. But at that time I didn’t feel hungry any more. I was focused on the needs of the hungry hearts of the people who lived there. It was hard to stop and eat. I didn’t even feel real hungry any more. I was more interested in the needs of the people. It was wonderful to meet someone who believed and had faith in what I came to tell everyone on Earth. Food could wait. I had a job to do that was as inspiring and heart-filling as eating a good meal is reviving and stomach-filling. 
People started to get interested when they saw how enthusiastic she was. They came to talk with me for themselves to find out if it really was true. They were so eager to hear what I had to say that the people of the village begged Me to stay with them, and not to just travel through quickly. So I and My disciples stayed for two days, talking with them and bringing them God’s message of love and His words of truth from Heaven.
When it was time to move on we felt glad that we had done something that although it seemed odd to the people who lived around in the neighbouring areas, it was just what God wanted. As a result many people came to know God’s love and received Me as their Saviour. It was worth it to take the time to talk with one woman at a well, and then to take the next steps to reach many more, as the opportunity presented.
***
Comforting and Restoring
When a loved one is hurting or sick it can be one of the hardest things to deal with. Your heart goes out to them in love and you wish you could make things all nice and better for them. You wish you could have fun times again, to do those things that you were able to do before, or things that you see others getting to do that your loved one or family member or friend may have never gotten a chance to do at all. 
I knew what people were feeling and I had compassion. I wanted to heal them, and I especially was able to do wonderful miracles for those who had faith and believed that I could do it. Those that were believing received the gift of the healing themselves or their loved ones did.
There was a certain nobleman whose son became very ill. In his desperation to do anything to help his son, this nobleman went travelling and looking all over until he found Me. He told Me about his son and asked Me to please heal him. I told him something that would require faith. I told him to go home, and that his son was now healed. Would he believe that? Without Me actually being there in person and visiting his house? Well, this nobleman proved himself to be noble for sure, and countless people have heard the story of what happened as a result. This man chose to believe Me, and turned around to begin his trip home again. It would take about a day or two to make it home. 
He was walking home by faith, not having seen the proof yet that his request to Me had been answered. But the next day in his travels he was met by some of his servants who joyfully told him the wonderful news. They said that the day before—the same time when this nobleman was talking with Me—that at that very hour his son began to recover. Everyone was happily surprised at how fast the boy had been healed.
It happened the second he believed what I said and started on his walk home. This made everyone in his home and those who knew the situation to also believe in Me. It started off as a seemingly bad thing—to have his son so ill that he didn’t know if he’d ever see his son again as he walked all around trying to find Me. But due to his faith and trust to first of all ask Me for his son’s healing, and then to take My word for it that it was true when I said he would be healed and return home without Me going to his house in person, many people were able to know God’s love and believed in My love and care.
Another example of a person’s faith was the time I was approached by messengers of a certain centurion. He was an important man, a Roman, and had many people he was in charge of. He had been nice to the people of the area, and had made things easy for them. When one of his trustworthy servants became real ill, this man cared about him, and sent some of the rulers to come and find Me. The centurion was requesting help and healing for his servant. Those who came to bring Me the message and request added their own words too, saying that the centurion was a nice man, unlike many of the other Roman rulers who weren’t treating people well at all. They said that they considered him worthy of the miracle and healing. 
I agreed to go to see this man and his servant, but as he was coming nearer, the centurion sent messengers to tell Me that I didn’t need to actually come there to see him in person. The centurion felt too humble to have Me come to his house, but said that all I needed to do was to say the word and his servant would be healed. He knew I could heal instantaneously, without having to personally be there. I was so glad to hear of someone with such great faith. I told those around how pleased I was to hear of the unusually strong faith of someone like that.
Usually people feel they need to see and hear things in order to believe them. This man was used to telling people things and knowing that what he said to do would happen. He knew that if I told the sickness to depart, without even being there, that the healing would happen as well! And so I gave the word, and his servant was healed. 
It’s like that today, you know. Even though you can’t see Me with your eyes, and hear Me with your ears, I can still heal you and answer your prayers. This man of faith didn’t even need to see Me to believe that I could do it. He sent messengers to speak to Me. When you pray it’s like a messenger has been sent to Heaven to bring your requests before Me. And then I can speak the word and give the answers that I know would be best. 
Your faith is then made stronger as a result, when you believe that I can and will help you, and then you receive the help and healing and whatever is needed. It takes faith to ask Me to help you—as you can’t see or hear Me and you don’t know how I will do the miracle. But faith is like the gold coins of heaven, when you hand Me a prayer requests with faith, it’s like giving someone a shopping list and also the money to buy what is on the list. When you ask Me to help you and you pray knowing that if it is what is best for your and others that I will grant it, then it gives Me what I need in order to do the miracle and to answer your request. Faith is like a key that opens a door of a big storehouse filled with all the things you will ever need. Prayer and talking to Me is like the hand that turns the key of faith, and then wonderful things begin to happen.
When I was travelling another time, I saw something that touched My heart and filled Me with compassion. There was a woman that needed her faith strengthened and needed encouragement. She was crying and crying. She didn’t know about Me and didn’t know that there was any hope in her sad situation. Her only son, who was a young man, had passed away. It seemed like there was nothing good left in life for her. She needed to know about Me and My love and the miracles I could do for those who ask Me to. 
I went up to her and encouraged her, telling her that it would be alright. She was surprised, as everyone around her was expressing the opposite. There was just crying and sorrow and the feeling of loss and that she would never see her son again. To see Me having faith and encouraging her that all was not lost and good things were about to happen, made her heart feel very warm inside. A spark of hope came to her eyes as she saw Me go over to her son who was being carried right then in an open coffin. I spoke to the young man and told him to rise. To everyone’s amazement and great surprise, this man just simply opened his eyes and sat up, healed and well! His mother was so very grateful and was able to be a good witness to many of how I healed, and how I showed love.
She wasn’t a rich or famous person. I never met her before. That moment made her realise that she was special to God. He knows about each one on Earth and cares about what is happening in their lives. Not always it is the right time for people to come back to life again after they have passed away, as everyone has a time to be born and a time to move on from this Earthly life to the next life in the spirit, and to be with Me in heaven if they love and believe in Me. That can sure be a test of faith for those who see them go and miss being around them. But one day all tears will be wiped away, and loved ones and friends and family members can be reunited. This life won’t last forever for anyone, and each one has a time when they will leave this life, but those with faith in Me can be glad that their loved ones are able to enjoy a nice time in heaven, where they will live forever—because I live forever!
However, there are those special times, such as with this young man, that someone passes away for only a little while and then is granted life again on Earth for a while longer—as an encouragement, as a faith booster. This gives them a chance to help others to know about Me as they tell about the miracle of restored life. Either way I can wipe the tears and encourage the hearts of those that face the difficult moment when a loved one passes on into the next life, and you have to wait for a while to see them again. I can give the faith in your heart while you wait and are separate for a while, or I can bring them back to life again, if that is what I know will have the best results. I love you, each one of you, and have compassion and care about what you are feeling. I want to make things easier for you by letting you know that I am right there beside you, even though you can’t see Me with your eyes—just with your heart, and your faith tells you how near to you I am.
***
Fever Cured Immediately
Have you ever had a fever or felt very unwell? I know what it feels like, as I was on Earth just like you, and experienced all kinds of things. Maybe I didn’t have each and every kind of sickness that there ever has been, but I was given the understanding while on Earth to feel and know what people were experiencing, and I had plenty of times when I felt unwell, that I might understand you and know what it feels like. 
Has it ever happened to you, that you have to miss out on something that is special, because you get too sick to enjoy it or to do the activity? There was one woman that what so sick and was nearly going to miss something that she enjoyed—getting to have Me visit her house and talk with her and her family, but I healed her just in time. 
She was real sick with a fever when we arrived at the house. She was so very hot feeling and couldn’t do anything but lie in bed feeling unwell. This woman was the mother-in-law of My disciple Peter. When she saw us there it was very difficult for her as she couldn’t even get up. She would miss talking with us and enjoying our visit.
Normally, she would have been there to help serve the guests and make some food for us and help us to feel welcome. But there is a time to minister to others, and a time to receive the loving care of others yourself. This was the time when this woman who was usually quite active in her service to others needed the care of others. When I saw her sick with the fever and felt how hot her head was, I rebuked the fever in prayer and healed her. 
Immediately she got up and felt so strong and energetic she was able to right away start preparing food and serving her guests. We would have been happy for her to keep resting if she felt the need, but this woman didn’t want to miss a moment of this special time when I was visiting her. She knew it was rare and would have been sad to miss out. She wanted us to feel welcome and to enjoy our visit, and serving us as her guests was what she enjoyed doing. 
Wherever I was, news was spread around and many people would come to find Me. The needs of the people were many. By sunset that day many people who needed healing were brought right to the door of the house we were in to be healed by Me. I cared about them and had compassion on them. I touched and healed each one that came to Me that evening.
We stayed there that night, but long before the sun was up the next day I decided to slip away for some alone time with My Father in Heaven. I found somewhere outdoors that I would be alone and undisturbed. I needed time to be refreshed and to pray for strength for the many things I was being called on to do.
 I found that early in the morning was the best time to prepare for My day, and the best way to handle all the pressure and needs that were surrounding Me almost constantly. Even though getting up extra early in the morning was tiring at times, it wasn’t as tiring as trying to just sleep as much as I could and then rushing into the day, trying to accomplish all that faced Me, without having that special time in prayer.
You may find that you are able to have better and happier days if you spend the very first moments of the day with Me, alone in prayer. Even if you just talk with Me in your mind before you get out of bed. Whatever you can do to get My help and instructions and refreshing will make all the difference in the world.
 Even if all you have is three minutes alone you can make it quality time. You could start with thanking Me for all you can think to praise Me for, then take another moment to pray for whatever is on your heart and mind, and end with getting quiet and hearing anything that I might have to say or thoughts I might want to put in your mind and heart. 
You can spend these special three minutes at other times throughout the day as well—like before you start a new project, or before you travel, or after you’ve had a difficult run-in with someone, or when you get hurt, or if you feel upset. Take these three or more minutes to stop and talk and listen to Me. It will make such a difference to you and things will start to go much better. Your day won’t be as stressed, and you’ll see some of the things you were concerned about getting taken care of.
***
Four Men and a New Idea
There were four men who were very determined to get help and healing for their sick friend. It was hard for them, because their friend couldn’t even walk, couldn’t do things with them, he needed lots of care and help for anything at all. He had to lie down on a bed or blanket all day. 
When these men heard that I was in a certain house, they each held a corner of the bed blanket he was resting on and just picked it up and carried their friend down the road until they reached the house. They knew I could and would heal their friend, if they could just get him to Me. 
However, when they arrived they found out that people from all around had also heard that I was there in that house, and there were many people crammed into that tiny area. It wasn’t an auditorium or a theatre or even a very big house. There were more people in the house then than had ever been in there before, all at one time.
Many of the teachers of the law and Pharisees wanted to talk with Me and ask questions. So there were all kinds of people squeezed into a small place. But these determined fellows weren’t going to let the impossible get in the way. They decided to make a way. They weren’t going to disappoint their friend or go away saying, “We just can’t.” 
Up to the house roof they went, and then began to break away the tiling of the roof! Those in the house were wondering what was going on, and it was a funny sight to then see something coming down through the roof! It was a blanket with a man on it being lowered. 
I knew that took a lot of faith and determination for those men to go to that length to get the help their friend needed. They were doing all that they could to get healing for their friend. They weren’t going to let anything keep them away from Me. They knew I was their only hope of him ever being healed. I was glad to see such faith, and I told the man who was sick of the palsy that his sins were forgiven and he could be healed and get up now.
He needed healing of both the body and his spirit. He was enduring consequences for his actions and the way he had strayed for a while from doing the things he knew in his heart to be right. He wanted his heart to be clean again and right with God. His body needed healing to be able to get around again and enjoy the things others were able to do—even just being able to take care of himself. 
When I told this man that his sins were forgiven, he felt God’s love and felt healing coming into every part of his body, mind and soul. It was a wonderful moment—the best moment of his life! Some of those around were surprised that I would say his sins were forgiven. That was something they knew only God could do and they hadn’t believed that I was God come to them—His Son, there to heal, there to save, there to also forgive people for their wrong doings and to help them start a new and better life loving God with all their heart and soul.
I told them clearly that this was within My power—to forgive sins, and I told the man to get up and take up his bed and walk home! And he did! –To the shock of everyone around. With a smile and joy in his step he did just that!  How wonderful it felt to walk! He’d been unwell for so long. Healing felt so very good.
Another sickness that people were suffering from that also had no cure was leprosy. Those sick with it couldn’t be around others or be touched, and they had to warn others if they were coming close, so people could run away and keep a distance, so they wouldn’t also get sick with leprosy. It was a contagious and terrible sickness. Those who had it were very sad and had a very difficult time.
 There was a man who was sick with leprosy and when I was visiting the area he lived in, he searched Me out and begged Me to heal him. I then did what no one else could do—I touched him and healed him. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had actually put a friendly hand on his shoulder. I didn’t look at his outward appearance and the terrible condition of his body. I was looking into his heart, and I saw faith in Me and courage.  I healed him at that moment!
I touched him, before he was clean, because I knew the power of God would make things right again. I touched him to show that compassion is better than rightness. It wasn’t necessary or good in all situations, but I wanted to show those around Me what love could do if God willed it. 
It was a touch that would have struck fear in anyone were they to have been compelled to do the same. But I wasn’t afraid of catching his sickness, and I wanted him to know that he was loved by God. I touched him and the healing power of Heaven transformed his tormented body to a whole and strong man, who testified till his last day on earth, what the power of God could do. 
I touched him to show that I loved and cared about the whole man—his heart, mind and body. I didn’t just love the healthy and unsoiled ones. This touch of love transformed his heart and spirit and nature just as much as the power of God cleansed and transformed his afflicted and troubled body into one full of vigour and renewed strength. 
***
Helping and Healing
Can you imagine not being able to walk or run or climb or dance or play ball games or anything physically active for a whole year, and instead only rest in your bed? Now imagine what that would be like to be in that condition for nearly 40 years. That would be a long time to wait until you could move properly again! 
There was a man sick and unable to get around for 38 years. He was so desperate for healing that he was nearly always beside a special pool, it was called Bethesda and had five porches. It was a place where people sometimes were immediately cured. God would bring people relief at times there through sending an angel of healing to them.
At a certain time, when the water was filled with God’s healing power, whoever entered the water first was cured. So this man thought this was his only hope of healing. He waited and he waited there in hopes of being able to get into the water at just the right time and be healed of God. The problem was that he couldn’t just jump up and be the first one, even if he wanted to, as he couldn’t move around on his own. He’d need help to get in the water, but there wasn’t always someone there ready to help him day and night. 
Patience was something he’d learned a lot about. When I, Jesus, walked past there I talked with him about his condition, and how hard it was for him to be unable to get into the water in time to receive the special healing. Being unable to move around and to be hurting and sick was a very difficult thing, and he’d endured it for so very long. It was time for healing and for the start of a new life.
I then healed him instantly and he had the faith to get up when I said to. As he obeyed he felt the healing and strength come all over his body. It was the best feeling he’d ever had. Every part of his body changed from being sick and weak, hurting and disabled, to being invigorated and filled with life and renewal.
This ill man was totally cured and could just simply stand up and walk away. Just being able to do that was a total miracle! It was more amazing for people to see this man just standing and holding a blanket, than it is for you to watch someone win an Olympic contest. This man being instantly cured and moving around was something that was totally impossible for him to make happen on his own. It was a miracle only God could do, and proved to him and others that I was sent from God to show them His love and care.
Another man I healed had a problem with his hand. It couldn’t be used and looked deformed. If you wonder what it might be like to only have one hand to use, play a game where you have to keep one hand behind your back and think of things to act out doing—things that normally require two hands. It will give  you a bit of an idea how tricky it is to get by with only one good working hand.
This man, whose hand was shrivelled up and weak-looking was there in the temple one day when I was. I told him to stretch out his hand, and he did. At that moment it was made completely normal, like his other hand. He was so amazed and rejoicing! Think of all the things that he’d wanted to be able to do for so long, and now at last could! 
He could now do things like, pick up a child and swing them around playfully. He could build something out of wood much more easily. He could do a hand stand. He could give a hug. He could hold the plough strongly to do farming. He could lift and help to carry big things. He could clap his hands! 
Some of the people who were very interested in doing things very right according to the laws of Moses got their minds and hearts off the real reason for the rules I had given them long ago. It was like they nearly began worshiping rules and rule keeping, rather than getting to know what I, the Lord, wanted them to be doing at that time. 
When I came along and did things that they didn’t approve of, because these grumpy team of folks weren’t filled with God’s Spirit of love, it made them mad. If they were truly trying to do things God’s way then something like Me healing a person would have been a wonderful thing. If they cared about the people around them, rather than just getting others to think of them as so righteous, they would have been glad for everyone that was helped. 
The things I did showed God’s power and didn’t make those trying-to-be-so-perfect folks seem as great as they wanted others to think they were. When I showed love, it made it noticeable how they failed in showing true love. When I spoke of trusting in God and having faith for Him to supply all that was needed, it made their works and rule-keeping that were done without much faith seem in vain. God loved and cared for everyone, even the sinners, even those who weren’t as perfect as these extreme rule-keepers thought they ought to be. This humbled them and put the focus back where it should be—on God, rather than on them, as being the best. 
Many times when I healed people it was done on the day that I was teaching in the temple, and on a day when people were not supposed to work. When I healed someone, there were some of the proud folks around who wanted to stop Me and all the good that I was doing and tried to say that it was against the rules to heal on that day. 
Imagine telling God that He couldn’t help someone who was asking for help, because it wasn’t on the right day of the week? That would be a bit out of place, wouldn’t it? It would be presumptuous and proud, and would make God upset. And that is just what I felt.
It was deeply upsetting to Me when I wanted to help and heal and restore someone and I gave My healing power to them—and instead of hearing praises to God from the people around, there was complaint and grumbling that I didn’t do it on the correct days of the week that they seemed to think it should be scheduled on. Well, there really wasn’t a scheduled day of the week for miracles to happen—God could do them anytime they were needed. 
I told these people who were trying to pull out whatever excuses they could to try to stop My work on Earth, that anytime and any day was the right day to do good. God said there was to be a day of rest once a week, so that people wouldn’t overwork and wouldn’t make other people, or their animals, be overworked either. It was to maintain health and strength and inspiration. And then they wouldn’t be too busy to take time talking with God either. There was one day a week at least, put into their schedule to just stop everything and do something different. They weren’t to sell things and make money on that day either. 
But to heal and help someone that I met along the way, whom I would probably never get a chance to see again as I travelled on to new places, that wasn’t against God’s rules. To do good and help and heal when God put the opportunity in someone’s way was a kind and loving thing to do. To show love and bring healing on the day of rest was a great thing to do. In fact these ungodly people’s attitude of not caring enough about the needs of others, their unloving thoughts were very opposite to God’s way of being, and made Him very sad and mad. 
Most of the time when these people started to cause Me trouble, I just left and went somewhere else. I would go out to the wilderness areas and those who loved Me and were so glad that I showed true concern about them, would find Me and flock to Me and I healed them and talked with them.
Other times, before leaving the company of those who didn’t want to see love in action and didn’t choose to believe the truth I came to tell them, I would give them a good talking to. At times I gave them a chance to hear what was good for them to know, even if it was a tough message. I told them clearly how wrong and hurtful their actions and attitudes were. I told them that to do things in their unkind ways and only think about how to make themselves seem good rather than exalting God, was very ungodly and of the Enemy. 
I came to bring an end to the devices of the Enemy and to make people aware of the things he would do to harm them. I came to save people and to get God working strongly in their lives. When I saw that the Enemy was putting thoughts in these complaining people’s minds, I wanted them to wake up in spirit and look around and see that they were on the wrong pathway, harming others, and needed to have a change in their lives. 
It’s easy for people to want to be friends with everyone and have all people think well of them—something these critical thinking, self-righteous folks wanted. It wasn’t easy for Me to do the job of doing and saying what was truly right and having people upset at Me as a result. But that’s what I came to Earth to do. 
I wasn’t there to just have a good time, but to do specifically what My Heavenly Father sent Me to do and needed Me to do. I wanted to make Him pleased most of all, even if it caused Me some troubles by those that didn’t love God very much. In the end I was glad that I did the difficult job of telling everyone the truth and doing what would be best for the whole world—and eventually for you too! 
***
Mountain Meetings
God’s power was shown in wonderful ways, and many people were healed of the difficult and debilitating illnesses they had. When those who were healed travelled back to their hometowns they told everyone they knew about the miracle of healing. People were gathering in large groups all around Me when they heard where I was. 
It was causing such a stir at times that I couldn’t even go into some towns anymore, as it was disrupting things so much with crowds seeking Me out and going with Me wherever I went. It made those who didn’t like all the attention I was getting even more unhappy, and worried about the commotion it caused.
Sometimes I told those who were healed, to not make such a big deal about it and to not go telling people right then that they had been healed, as it wasn’t the best timing. But it was nearly impossible to stop those who had been so wonderfully cured from telling all those they knew or met about the miraculous occurrence. And from there the news just kept spreading.
I did come to heal the sick and to preach the gospel, but the way people were reacting to the healings was making things rather difficult for Me and My disciples to operate or even to go from one place to another. People can be very dramatic and desperate at times too, to receive relief from the aching pains of sickness and the hard times. I was the only hope of relief from their troubles that they’d known and felt so far, and it was a very big deal and wonderful happening in their lives. 
Sometimes I would touch and heal people, other times they would crowd around or just lay in the street that I was going to be walking down in hopes of being able to touch Me, even the hem of my garment, just to barely touch the fabric of my clothes. They had such faith that they would be healed if they touched Me in even the slightest way. Their faith was honoured those who reached out to touch Me, believing they would be healed, were healed right then. 
Of course, I couldn’t just be a 24 hour healing and preaching service to the people. I also needed time to pray, to rest and to teach My disciples and talk with them. Sometimes we went on a ship to take a break and to travel to some other place. Other times we climbed up mountains, or went out into the desert or wilderness places. 
Sometimes word got around that the ship that I and My disciples were on was heading to a certain area. By the time we arrived there, before we even set foot on the land, there was already a crowd of people waiting there for our arrival. People were desperate for healing, for encouragement and for Words from Heaven. 
Things were very busy and the needs of the people kept us desperate in prayer and working together as a team to make the most of the short few years that I would have there on Earth, before it was My time to go back to My Heavenly Father, and work with you all in an invisible, omnipresent way. –That is being able to be everywhere at once, instead of how it was when I was on Earth in a human body. 
One time, when many people were gathering to see Me and talk with Me, travelling from all around to come to the place that I was, after healing and talking with them, I climbed up a mountain with My disciples. We went up for a time of special instruction. Not everyone followed us all the way up. It was a hearty climb for those who were able to keep up. We sat together and I shared some special words from Heaven.
What I talked about there is referred to as, “The Sermon on the Mount.” It was in this place away from the thronging crowds and busy market places, the bustling streets and noisy towns, that I was able to teach some wonderful concepts from My Heavenly Father. The words I said at that time have been recorded and written down and have benefitted people ever since. 
I spoke of faith and trust in God and His care—just as the birds and the flowers are provided for, so can you be as well. I know where you are and what you need, and as you ask Me for help, I will give you just what I know is right and will bring the best results, in time. 
I spoke of the qualities of meekness and patience, of loving even those who try to do you harm, as God wishes for all to know of His enduring love. God wants His love to be at work in each one’s hearts, and through it to help people make good, wise and Godly choices.
I spoke of those that know Me and how they were to conduct themselves. They are to be as lights that shine out to others the truth and beauty that comes from a close relationship and friendship with the One who made each one. 
I spoke of brotherhood, friendship and love. I said to work out disagreements and differences and to behave with kindness and camaraderie. I said to show love and care not only to those who are nice to you and whom you like, but even to those who don’t treat you well and who make it hard for you. It would then demonstrate My true love that can love anyone one, no matter who they are or what they have done. 
Showing kindness to those who haven’t treated you well is a difficult thing that only I can help you to do, but it can also help to change people and help them to become a bit more like Me too, through your example of kindness, forgiveness and loving care towards them. I said that love would be rewarded, and I would see all that you did and would hear what you say.
***
Stilling the Storm
It was a stormy night on the lake that My disciples and I needed to cross. The trip had started out well, and we were making good travel time—until the storm hit. It was one of the rare times when I wasn’t being called on by others to help them in some way. The days were busy and the nights were short. 
My Father gave Me the strength day by day to do the miracles, to heal those in need, and to teach as many people as I could about God’s love and His ways. When we got into the boat it was a wonderful chance to have a rest. I lay down and was nearly instantly asleep. 
Even though I am the Son of God, I still had a physical body that needed the same sorts of things that you on Earth need. I know what it feels like to be too tired to keep on going. I know how good it feels to take a much needed rest. But as I was sleeping, those in the ship weren’t having things so easy. I knew all was well, because God was watching over us. However, for these folks travelling with Me they wondered if we’d even survive the night. There was a very boisterous storm and wild waves. It was very unsafe for water travel. 
I could rest, even in the midst of the storm, but My disciples were having a rough time, not knowing what to do and what was going to happen next. They couldn’t believe that I could just be peacefully sleeping in the midst of this strong storm. They woke Me up pleading for help. I knew this was just a test and problem that needed to be prayed away.  
I stood up and took action to rescue everyone from the difficult and dangerous conditions. I rebuked the storm, just like I rebuked and resisted the Enemy who tried to cause us troubles. I prayed for peace and instantly it was granted to us. A calm came over the water, and the wind was gentle again. 
My disciples had never seen such an amazing thing. Even though they’d seen people healed miraculously, and food wonderfully multiplied, this was something they never had thought possible—that a person could talk to the wind and the waves, and the weather would instantly change and all would be calm. Those on the team who had been fishermen before I called on them to follow and serve Me, knew what it was like to have to be in submission to the boisterous weather conditions. If things were too stormy when out on a fishing night, then they couldn’t raise their livelihood. So to have someone in their boat, who could instantly change the weather for them, was very helpful and astonishing.
It really amazed them and gave them proof that I was God’s Son, and had the authority even over the waves and wind. What started out as something very frightening and causing them to waver in faith, ended up boosting their faith more than ever. 
If they had never been in the storm, and had been only sitting serenely beside a cosy fire, sipping tea, would their faith be any stronger? Or was it when something difficult happened that was beyond their control, beyond anything they could manage and they were compelled to call on Me to help that it ended up making them greater men of faith? 
It’s not the easy things in life, and the times when you aren’t worried and nothing is ever going wrong that give you faith and courage. It’s when you find out that you can’t fix things and you can’t manage, and it’s too hard for you, that you then see how wonderful and powerful I am. You see then that I am well able to help you through. This then gives you the faith the next time something seems too hard for you to handle, that I just might be big enough and strong enough and great enough to get you through that one as well! 
You never need to fear, as long as you stay close to Me, call on Me to help, and are in My will, doing as I know is best. I can give you My full safety and protection at these times. I love you and I love to come to your aid and rescue you from the most impossible circumstances. 
Can you trust that I am able to care for you at all times? Sometimes you may feel like the disciples did, and wonder if I notice the hard time you are having—like the disciples felt when I was just sleeping, or so it seemed. But I was waiting for just the right time to work the miracle that brought about the best results. 
The storm was allowed to go on just long enough to test their faith and to see how much faith they had in My power to help and in God’s safe keeping. When they were ready for the miracle it was granted to them as they turned to Me in faith asking for My help. This taught them that I’m always ready to help, and that nothing is impossible with God. Calling on Me in all difficulties will bring the best things your way. 
***
Twelve Years
If there is one thing that will bring parents to their knees in prayer before Me, it is for the needs and health and wellbeing of their children. It doesn’t matter how rich or important you are, money is completely worthless when the life of someone’s child is at risk. 
When a child is incurably ill there is nothing in the world that can do anything to restore them—only the power of the God of love and life; the God who made them. 
Jairus was a ruler of the synagogue, a man that people looked up to and who had authority. No matter how good he might have tried to be, or how important he was considered, he couldn’t do a thing to heal his daughter—his only daughter—who had become very sick. 
Well, there was one thing he could do, but he’d have to lay aside all his pride and image and feelings of importance in order to do it. But when someone’s well-loved child is very sick, getting the help they need becomes the most important thing in the world to them. 
Jairus made the choice to get help for his sick daughter from the only One who could help him. He came and found Me to plead for My help. He didn’t just ask casually or in a proud way, but he asked with all his heart. He threw himself down at My feet, crying and pleading and asking in sincere desperation for Me to come and heal his one and only child, his dear daughter who was 12 years old. 
I wasn’t just sitting on a park bench wondering what to do next. This was one of those times when it seemed everyone wanted Me to help them all at the same time. The street was absolutely crowded with people all around, all needing and wanting something to ease their troubled lives and to bring relief. So if this man, Jairus, wanted Me to leave the crowd’s needs and help just him, he would need to make it known how desperate he was, and how important it was to him to have Me come to his house. 
I could feel the pain in his heart. I knew what this little girl meant to him. He had done so much in his life to provide for her, to care for her, and to give her the best he could with the means that he had. He had lots of hopes and dreams for her. He wanted her to have the best life possible. She was their only child and these parents didn’t care about anything else in the world at that point in time, except the wellbeing of their daughter.
I promised him that I would come and heal her, and this was a comforting thought to Jairus. So we slowly made our way to his house, through the throngs of the crowds around, some needing help, others just there in order to be close to Me, to catch a glimpse of the look of love and joy in My eyes. They could feel something special—a touch of God’s love—when in My presence and it felt so good. 
To have a bit of God’s love so close to them and to absorb a bit of it into their hearts and minds was better than anything else on Earth to them. So those who walked around Me were so glad for this brief chance to be walking near or beside Me, but it took a while for Me to then walk down the road due to the crowds all around. 
There was one other very desperate woman who needed a touch of healing, who was eager to touch even the hem of my garment, the edge of the robes I was wearing. She had the faith—like many others did too—that just a tiny touch is all that would be needed to bring her back to health.
She had been sick for 12 years, and had done absolutely everything she could to get healed. She had talked with doctor after doctor and done anything they had suggested, and wasted all her money to pay the large fees of the doctors. Instead of getting better, she only got worse as result. 
I was her only hope, and in full faith and belief she pushed through with great difficulty until she could reach out and touch the hem of My clothes. Instantly she was healed and it felt so very good. But she wasn’t the only one that felt something the moment that it happened. 
In the midst of all that was going on, and all the people pressing and pushing all around Me, I stopped and asked, “Who touched Me?”
It seemed like a very odd question to My disciples, as there were many people who were closely walking around, even grabbing at Me to touch Me and try to get My attention so I could satisfy their need. I explained that it was a different type of touch—as I felt a surge of God’s power being released from Me to someone at that moment, someone I wasn’t aware was being healed. 
The woman who had just been healed answered and explained it all—telling her story, and how now she had been wonderfully given strength and wellbeing again.
I encouraged her for her faith, and let her know that she was healed because of her faith in God’s healing power and that I could heal her. It was a wonderful day and she was so very glad to feel well again, and her heart was filled with God’s touch of love to her personally, through being healed at last.
Meanwhile, Jairus’ daughter wasn’t doing so well, and he was as eager as ever to bring Me to his house. However, some people came from the house to let us know that it was no longer necessary for Me to go there, as healing was now impossible—or so they thought. His daughter had died, and they didn’t think anything could now be done.
I saw how sad and troubled Jairus felt at hearing that news. I told him to not worry, and that we should still proceed to the house as planned, and that I would still heal her. 
“She’s sleeping,” I said, as that’s what it was like to Me. I could bring her life and strength just as easily as someone could be woken up again.
Well, that didn’t go over so well with some folks who were around, trying to be weeping and making sad sounds to add to the feeling of sorrow and mourning. One moment they are trying to make mournful sounds, but as soon as I say that it will be alright, and said that she was just asleep they all started to laugh and mock Me. 
Only those with faith were allowed to be there at that point. Faith is what brings on the miracles of God. So each one of those mockers and faithless folks were excused from the house. Jairus and his wife, and Peter, James and John were allowed to go with Me into the room where the girl lay and looked very lifeless. 
“Rise up, young girl!” I said, and that’s all it took.
Her eyes opened and her parents were so very glad. It was the most wonderful moment of their life! Their girl was well again and was given her life back.
I knew in the joy of the moment that it was easy to forget that though she was healed she needed some good nourishing food to gain her strength back. She hadn’t been able to eat or drink due to her sickness, so I made sure that the first thing they did was give her something to eat. 
It was such a happy moment! Nothing is too hard for Me to heal. There is nothing that is too far advanced for Me to restore. Even a life that has been taken away for a while can be given back, if God knows it will be best! Ask in faith, believe what I say, and watch miracles happen for you and your loved ones. 
***
Power to Preach
I gave to My disciples a very helpful gift. Just like the firemen don’t just run to help put out a fire without using the right gear and tools for the job, so did My team of special helpers need to be equipped to do their job of helping Me to tell others the message I was sent to deliver.
I had a meeting and important talk with My close 12 disciples one day. I was commissioning them to go and preach the good news of God’s love, as well as to heal those that were sick, and to have the authority in the spirit to rebuke and pray away any influences the Enemy had on people. 
I gave them the power and gifts from Heaven to work miracles, just as I could, through the power of God. They were given the ability to do the job. I told them to go travel around to many cities and towns for a while to teach, to preach, to tell people about heaven and God’s love and ways. They were to heal and help all those that they met who needed healing. 
They weren’t to pack the usual items for their trip this time, as it was to be a special time of seeing the power of God helping them. All that they would need would be given to them as they obeyed and did what I was sending them out to do. I told them not to bring all the usual items like a protective walking stick, spare clothes, money, food and so forth. They were to travel and teach and heal people in My name—and whatever they needed, like food and warmth, safe keeping and a place to sleep, would be provided along the way. 
I gave them tips and instructions that would be helpful and make their trip successful. If there were towns that didn’t want to hear the message, I told them to not worry about it and to not get upset, but to just leave the place and go somewhere else. I said that God would be the one to take care of the consequences of those that didn’t receive them and listen to them. 
I told them that being My disciple and telling people what I sent them to preach wasn’t going to be easy. I wasn’t always welcomed and liked by people, and neither would they be. People would tell them to go away and would cause them difficulty, and punish them at times for doing what God wanted them to do. The same things were happening to Me while on Earth, and it would be no different for them. 
It’s still the same today for those who love and follow Me and try to tell others the good news of My love and salvation. They find some people are eager to hear, and others aren’t. Some people will love and respect you, and some will mistreat you and cause you trouble and hard times. But it’s not here on Earth that you will be receiving your reward. You don’t have to be liked by everyone—I never was and neither were My disciples and followers, and neither will you be. The Enemy will do all he can to get people to turn away from the truth that you and those who love Me are trying to give to others. 
I told My disciples then not to worry about it and not to be too distressed when they weren’t treated well by the very people they came to help. I said that they would receive a big reward in Heaven for doing the job God gave them to do—and the harder it was, and the more difficulties they encountered, and the worse things were, and the more trouble people gave them the greater their reward in Heaven would be. So when things were hard and people made them feel bad or were trying to stop them or cause them difficult times, they could rejoice and be glad, as it just meant their rewards in Heaven would be even greater. The difficulties weren’t to stop them or discourage them, but were just the way things would be. They were to just persevere and keep trying to find those who were eager and interested in hearing the message of My love and salvation.
After fully instructing My disciples and giving them the power from Heaven in order to equip them to do the job, then My disciples obeyed and took the step of faith and went out as I asked them to do. They travelled around teaching and preaching and healing.
When it was time for them to return they had stories to tell! They were filled with joy at all the miracles that had happened on their mission trip. Even though they hadn’t packed bags and carried needed supplies with them, because they had the power of Heaven with them, and they were obeying what God wanted them to be doing, they had all that they needed as they went.
I asked them if they lacked what they needed while they were travelling and teaching, and they said they always had what they needed. It all worked out! God made it so that whatever was needed was supplied for them as they prayed and obeyed and went out and got the job done.
They rejoiced and were thrilled at the miracles that had taken place. God’s power in them and working through them amazed them. It had been a wonderful mission trip.
These weren’t the only ones that I sent out either. I then later commissioned a team of 70 other followers to travel around, in teams of two. I also gave them the instructions and advice, as well as power from Heaven that I had given My close 12 disciples on their mission trip. 
These 70 followers did as I asked them to, and were wonderful witnesses, teaching and preaching the messages that I told them to pass on. They prayed and healed many people and brought God’s power into the lives of many. When they too returned they were very thrilled at the miracles God had done through them and for them.
With all these others helping Me to spread the news about Heaven and God’s love around, many more towns and cities were able to hear about Me and to be healed and helped than I was personally able to do. And it’s still like that today! I need helpers who are filled with My power from Heaven, those who have Me helping them and who are willing to do what I need them to do, so that many can come to know Me and will find the way to Heaven. 
Things won’t always be easy, and in some places on Earth there will be a lot of difficulty for those who try to tell others about Me. But I will always care for those who love Me, and will greatly reward those who follow Me and who do whatever I need them to do, even when it’s not easy. 
***
Feeding Thousands
My disciples and I travelled by ship to find a quiet place to be alone. We felt the need to rest and to take some time off. Things had been rather hectic, with hardly even a chance to eat. Off we sailed to a deserted place—or so it was, until people started spreading the word around that our ship was sailing for a certain shore. 
By the time our ship reached the quiet place that was far from any towns, we were welcomed by a large crowd! So desperate were the people for My help that they were willing to travel long distances to reach this out-of-the-way place in order to have a chance to hear My words and to receive healing.
We all had needed some quiet alone time, but the needs of these poor and sad folks who had great faith in My love and care filled Me with compassion. Instead of having time away like we hoped, we were in full swing helping and healing. I loved each one of them. When I looked at an old man or old lady it was like it was my own parents or grandparents, and I loved them and wanted to help them. When I saw a child in pain and unable to move around, or suffering with some other physical or spiritual trouble from the Enemy, I loved that child as My very own and wanted to bring relief and joy to their life. When I saw men and women struggling, I loved them as a friend, as a brother or sister, as someone I wanted to be close to and help provide for. I couldn’t turn these folks away. It would hurt Me too much to not help them in their hour of greatest need. 
The lengths these people were willing to go in order to receive My help and healing made Me want to help them—and so I did, every single one of them received the healing and help and encouragement that they came asking for. 
Towards the end of that day there was the need for these ones to get food, yet there were no shops or houses around. We were far out away from any town. What was to be done? I knew that these people had been travelling for a long time, some for many days, to find Me and come to Me for healing and relief. 
I told My disciples to find something for all of them to eat. Of course with nowhere nearby to buy food that would be hard, and without enough money to get as much as was needed, it was an impossible situation, or so it seemed. There were 5,000 men, and plenty of women and children. No one could come up with dinner for this crowd easily. 
The only food that was found was with a boy who had with him five barley loaves and two small fish. My disciples had done what I asked and found some food—they thought I wanted them to have enough for everyone right away, but all we needed was a step of faith and giving. My team took the step of faith and obedience and found this bit of food and the boy was willing to share it with Me. Once I saw that those important steps to receiving God’s blessings were taken, then it was time for God to do the impossible. 
“Alright, it’s dinner time! Tell everyone to sit down in groups of 50!” I told My team. 
They obeyed once again and organised everyone for the meal. The men could be counted as they were sat in groups. The children ran around or played and the women looked after them. It was the custom of the men to sit down to eat together, if there were people like these crowds that didn’t know each other and weren’t part of a family. So that’s how we could tell how many men were there waiting to be fed, plus all the others—the women and the children.
I took that small amount of food that was shared in faith, and lifted it up for people to see and prayed for God’s blessing on it.
Then I broke it and passed out to My disciples to begin giving it out to the people who were sitting and hungrily waiting for a miracle meal.
The food just kept being passed out. The baskets were never completely empty. Everyone got more than enough food that evening before needing to travel home.
When everyone left I told My disciples to search around and pick up any remaining food that was still around, so that nothing would be wasted, and to demonstrate the miracle and just how abundant the food supply had been that day. A surprising 12 baskets of food was collected—that was just the leftovers after several thousands of people had eaten until they were filled sufficiently. 
This wasn’t the only time there was a big free meal. Another time when the need was apparent was after crowds had been travelling and sticking around Me for three days. People that were blind, deaf, crippled and otherwise handicapped were instantly healed. People were amazed and excited! To see someone suddenly able to talk or see or walk who had never been able to before was a wonderful sight! 
Some of these people had come from far away to receive healing and to hear My words, and after travelling and being with us for a few days they were very much in need of something to eat. However, we were up away from the towns, and there wasn’t anywhere nearby for people to get food. If we had sent them away to go and find food it would have been too tiring for them. They wouldn’t have had the strength to keep on travelling until they reached a town or city that might have something they could buy and eat.
I asked My disciples how much food they had on hand, and they had seven loaves and a few small fish. Once again, I was going to show them that it was enough. I can supply for people anywhere and anytime if there is faith and obedience—the main two ingredients to bake a miracle meal!
At that time there were about 4,000 men, plus all the woman and children. 
I took the bread and fish and thanked My Father in Heaven for His wonderful unending supply. I broke it and passed it to My disciples who gave it out to the people. Everyone received sufficient food—and once again there was even extra food left over. Seven baskets of food were collected after everyone had eaten enough and left to travel back home.
News of these miraculous meals got around and people were pretty happy about it. If there was someone that could provide more than enough food for people to eat, and without having to buy it or make it or work hard to grow the crops, well, people started to think that this person should be the king! What a great country it could be, just think a king that can heal anyone who is sick, and feed everyone for free! –Right? Well, no, it was wrong at this point. 
I didn’t come to Earth to take over and to be an Earthly king and ruler as some thought I was going to be or perhaps thought would have been nice, according to their ideas and wishes. I came to Earth to prepare people’s hearts for the Kingdom of Heaven that would rule over the world one day, and to bring forgiveness and salvation so that those who believed on Me would be able to live forever in My Heavenly kingdom. 
When I saw new crowds, later on, coming to find Me and who had it in their mind to try and make Me be their Earthly king then and there, I tried to explain things a bit more to them.
I explained that I, the satisfier, was the one they should be seeking after, My spirit, My words, and life eternal—not just the things of this world, and food to eat. I was the one they needed. My words would nourish their hearts and spirit and I would give them eternal life. Just getting lots of great food on Earth was not the goal and the way to a happy life. 
I want people to hunger after My words and to want to have Me in their heart and to be filled with My Spirit. I want them to let Me be what gives them their satisfaction, and the One that gives them joy and strength. Those who want their heart and mind and spirit filled and satisfied with the Heavenly bread of My Words will find that it’s better than anything on Earth, as they listen, receive and believe the words that I speak. I can fill your hearts with something better than the most delicious and nourishing meal is for your body. My Words give life and joy, and your spirit will live forever after having received Me into your heart and soul and life.
***
Walking on the Water
After helping and healing many people, and feeding them with the miracle loaves and fish, I at last took some time alone to pray. It was night time and I went up into a mountain away from the crowds. I told My disciples to go ahead and get back in the boat that we’d used to travel to this deserted place, and to cross back over the lake again—without Me.
In the quietness of the night I rested and prayed and communicated with My Heavenly Father. To do this great work and to help so many people I needed His help and strength and protection. The way to gain the strength and courage and grace to do the job was to depend on the power of Heaven to make it all possible. 
As I looked down on the water I could see that it was not an easy time for those in the boat. A storm had set in and waves were rocking and rolling and it was very tempestuous. There was no physical way for Me to cross over the lake or to go to help My team in the midst of this stormy sea.
With God nothing is impossible, and if I was needed over there, I could get to where I needed to go. So it was like an invisible bridge or walkway was placed there for Me right on top of the water, and I could simply walk across the lake, as if it had been on dry firm land. 
When the troubled disciples looked up and saw not only big and strong waves being stirred up with forceful winds, but a man walking on top of the water it just added to their worries and fears. What was going on now? But I came to bring peace and to give faith. I called out to them, telling them to have courage and to not worry. I said it was I who was walking on the water to them.
It was a very amazing sight, and something they’d never heard of happening before. It was a sign and proof to them that I really was God’s son. Simon Peter asked if he could come and walk on the water too, as sort of a test to see what God’s power could do. I invited him to join Me, walking where no one had ever set foot before—on the surface of the water.
With a bit of excitement and feeling rather puzzled and in awe at this whole situation Simon Peter stepped out of the boat and began to walk towards Me. It was something only God could help him do! Although he had the initial faith to step out and try something crazy that took faith, and that I allowed him to do, he found his faith wasn’t strong enough to keep on going when he started to get his eyes on the wild waves that were tossing and rolling about.
With thoughts of doubt and thinking that it was too hard to keep on going, he then began to sink in the stormy waves. Peter called out for help and I lifted him and we both got into the boat. We were met with wide eyes and some very amazed disciples. Even though they had just seen and experienced the miracles of many people being healed of incurable sicknesses, as well as seeing the miracle of the loaves and fish being multiplied, in some ways it wasn’t as big of a miracle to them as those events had been to the people who were seeing them for the first time. But this incredible event of seeing a man—Me—walking on top of very stormy water got them realising once again that I came from God and was His Son, and could do anything at all that was needed. 
It was what was needed to give them a boost of faith and courage, that with God’s power with us all things were possible—and that I am the Messiah and they were doing the best thing they could be doing, giving their time and lives and strength to help Me pass on God’s Words to the world.