May 15, 2021

Present in Hard Times

Overview: 2 Kings 24-25, John 6:1-21

2 Kings 24-25 records the tragic defeat of the kingdom of Judah and the Babylonian exile that followed. Still, King Jehoiachin of Judah’s eventual release from prison provides hope for God’s people (2 Kings 25:27-30). 

Jesus ministers to a large crowd by miraculously providing food for them. He also meets his disciples on the Sea of Galilee and they see his power over nature. 

Observation and Activation

“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’” - John 6:14

The people of Judah faced hard times during their last days before the Babylonian exile. Jerusalem was burned and the temple destroyed, leaving the reader to wonder how the Lord will keep His promise to David.

Likewise, Jesus’ Jewish audiences faced oppression from the Roman empire and longed for freedom. He gave them food and they marveled, showing that He is the fulfillment of God’s provision in the wilderness. 

As you reflect on the hard times the people in today’s passages experienced, in what hard circumstance do you need to experience God’s presence?