Banquet With The King

Monday, March 16, 2026

Are You a Fisherman?

Fisherman on the Sea of Galilee
About to cast his net.
Is he fishing for fish or men?

One day as Jesus was preaching on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, great crowds pressed in on him to listen to the word of God. He noticed two empty boats at the water's edge, for the fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. Stepping into one of the boats, Jesus asked Simon, its owner, to push it out into the water. So he sat in the boat and taught the crowds from there. When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, "Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish." "Master," Simon replied, "we worked hard all last night and didn't catch a thing. But if you say so, I'll let the nets down again." And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking. When Simon Peter realized what had happened, he fell to his knees before Jesus and said, "Oh, Lord, please leave me—I'm too much of a sinner to be around you." For he was awestruck by the number of fish they had caught, as were the others with him. His partners, James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. Jesus replied to Simon, "Don't be afraid! From now on you'll be fishing for people!" And as soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus. Luke 5:1-11

Meditate. Consider how you fish.

There are a couple of versions of Jesus calling these fishermen. See John 1:35-42 (Banquet With The King blog February 23, 2026).

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, "Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!" And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind. Matthew 4:18-22

In Luke's account, Jesus preaches from one of the fishing boats, with His word floating over the water to the people sitting on the hillside. Imagine the gentle breeze from the water, with a light odor of fish and the warm sunshine. When Jesus tells the fisherguys to keep on fishing, they do, but Simon is overwhelmed with the fishing catch and feels unworthy of this attention and blessing from the Lord. When he declares that he is too much of a sinner, Jesus assures him that He has a job for him, fishing for people. Andrew, Simon, James, and John. These four fishermen became the inner circle for Jesus. You can see them traveling, praying, learning from His teaching, and just generally serving and living with Jesus throughout the Gospels. They become fishermen for Jesus.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? Jesus is still working miracles. Look at all those fish. He is very generous. We actually see this repeated after His resurrection when there were 153 large fish in their nets as recorded in John 21. Jesus meets the needs of His disciples, physically and spiritually. Even when Simon felt unworthy, Jesus still called him anyway. Has Jesus called you to fish for Him? Are you a fisherman?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, as a child, I sang the song about You choosing these fishermen as Your disciples. “I will make you fishers of men, if you follow Me.” Sometimes I feel unworthy, like Simon Peter. Help me focus my thoughts on You and Your teachings moment by moment, day by day. Where do I need to “fish” for You today?

Verse of Salvation ~ Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]. For you know what commandments and precepts we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

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Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Where Does He Get This Wisdom?

He returned (from the Sea of Galilee) to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, "Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?" Then they scoffed, "He's just the carpenter's son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers--James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?" And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family." And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:54-58

Meditate on wisdom.

This scripture passage tells us that the people of Nazareth…were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. They were offended—deeply offended. Scoffing at the wisdom of Jesus, who obviously was a good speaker and teacher, they couldn’t believe that anyone who grew up there could be so knowledgeable and wise. Those people in Nazareth had a lot of nerve—self-righteous snobs. Who did they think they were, judging Jesus? He was full of wisdom and unusual power. Were they jealous that they themselves…or their son, grandson, or even nephews didn’t get that wisdom and power? Why should this son of a carpenter have it? Just unbelieving that anyone from Nazareth—that dusty little village—could actually be a great teacher. Doubting drains energy. If no one believed, then no miracles could happen. There were a few miracles exercised on that trip to Nazareth.

What does that tell us about faith? I think we have to believe in Jesus as the Son of God…and that He was a man, incarnate God and man. In that belief, the power of Jesus is released…and we can ask for healing, for strength, or for wisdom. Ask, and we will receive…

At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy. I have spoken of these matters in figures of speech, but soon I will stop speaking figuratively and will tell you plainly all about the Father. Then you will ask in my name. I'm not saying I will ask the Father on your behalf, for the Father himself loves you dearly because you love me and believe that I came from God. John 16:23-27

Ask—it seems pretty simple, but there are a lot of factors involved. Attitude. Action. Faith. God’s will. Just believe. God will take care of you—in His way…at His time. Trust. Trust and Obey.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, just as You read…“The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for You are anointed to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent You to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." Luke 4:18-19. Lord, Your prophesies were fulfilled in the past…and we’re counting on them to be fulfilled in the future. We look forward to the rapture…and Your return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Verse of Salvation ~ But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God's weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:24-25

Happy Birthday, Kim!

May God continue to bless you…today and always!

Reused from June 6, 2016, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Not Accepted in His Hometown

The Holy Spirit was with Jesus.

When he came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home, he went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where this was written: "The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the LORD's favor has come." He rolled up the scroll, handed it back to the attendant, and sat down. All eyes in the synagogue looked at him intently. Then he began to speak to them. "The Scripture you've just heard has been fulfilled this very day!" Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips. "How can this be?" they asked. "Isn't this Joseph's son?" Then he said, "You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: 'Physician, heal yourself'—meaning, 'Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.' But I tell you the truth, no prophet is accepted in his own hometown. Certainly there were many needy widows in Israel in Elijah's time, when the heavens were closed for three and a half years, and a severe famine devastated the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them. He was sent instead to a foreigner—a widow of Zarephath in the land of Sidon. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, but the only one healed was Naaman, a Syrian." When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way. Luke 4:16-30

Meditate. Consider acceptance.

Everyone wants to be accepted, loved, admired, and respected. Here, Jesus was in His hometown of Nazareth and going about His usual routine, but His teaching wasn’t accepted. Instead, the people in the synagogue were furious. They were very angry—filled with rage—with Jesus. He compared His situation—being in His hometown—to the prophets Elijah and Elisha. There was probably someone in the synagogue who did expect Jesus to heal, like He had at Capernaum, but they still saw Him as the carpenter’s son. But He was the Son of God—He was God—and no one recognized Him for who He was. They were insulted by His comparison and wanted to destroy Him. It just wasn’t going to happen. Satan would have liked to have Him eliminated, but there wasn’t a “push Him off the cliff” incident in His future. He disappeared from that scene.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? The Holy Spirit was on Jesus. He wasn’t ready to die yet! He wasn’t accepted in His hometown—and we can assume that there were other places, even at this point early in His ministry, that He wasn’t accepted, respected, or appreciated. He has power over those who would like to take His life.

Prayer – Lord Jesus-You are accepted in my home! The scripture You read at the synagogue in Nazareth was actually amazing. You knew…but they didn’t. You were sent by the Father God for just that purpose. To bring Good News to the poor, to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, and that the oppressed will be set free. Yes! And those were just the things that You declared to the disciples of John the Baptist. [Then he told John's disciples, "Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor." Luke 7:22] Thank You for Your obedience.

Verse of Salvation ~ And then he told them, "Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Friday, March 13, 2026

Here’s a Miraculous Sign

Ruins of the synagogue at Capernaum
Was the boy's home nearby?
The entire household believed in Jesus
after the miraculous sign.

At the end of the two days, Jesus went on to Galilee. He himself had said that a prophet is not honored in his own hometown. Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did there. As he traveled through Galilee, he came to Cana, where he had turned the water into wine. There was a government official in nearby Capernaum whose son was very sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Jesus to come to Capernaum to heal his son, who was about to die. Jesus asked, "Will you never believe in me unless you see miraculous signs and wonders?" The official pleaded, "Lord, please come now before my little boy dies." Then Jesus told him, "Go back home. Your son will live!" And the man believed what Jesus said and started home. While the man was on his way, some of his servants met him with the news that his son was alive and well. He asked them when the boy had begun to get better, and they replied, "Yesterday afternoon at one o'clock his fever suddenly disappeared!" Then the father realized that that was the very time Jesus had told him, "Your son will live." And he and his entire household believed in Jesus. This was the second sign Jesus did in Galilee after coming from Judea. John 4:43-54

Meditate. Consider miraculous signs.

Have you ever asked Jesus for a miraculous sign? Did you want Him to heal someone—instantly? The Jewish leaders kept wanting Jesus to show them a sign. Here, a Roman government official wanted a sign. He wanted Jesus to come quickly to Capernaum, which was about 23 miles from Cana, to heal his son before the child died. Jesus isn’t constrained by distance. He sent the dad on his way and healed the boy from right there where He was. I’d say that was a miraculous sign.

We see Jesus working in little and not-so-little ways every day. Have you asked for a good parking place…and the Lord provided one right there? I’ve been praying for my grandchildren…since the day they were born, for things like fevers, illness, mishaps of scrapes and sprains, and for major things like arthritis, MALS, a dislocated shoulder, and generally for making good decisions. We all have choices, multiple times a day—and it is so important to think things through, pray, and look to the Lord for guidance. Good decisions.

This Roman official trusted Jesus to heal his son. That trust was in the right place. Jesus did heal the boy. We’ve all had unanswered prayers—and that is part of life. Is it a trial for us? In some cases, it is. God didn’t create trials and tribulations. Those happen, and we can only trust God to help us through those troubles. One of my granddaughter’s favorite verses is found in Philippians.

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Did the government official gain strength as he trusted Jesus? He was probably praising the Lord all the way home once he heard that his son was well. That is a miraculous sign.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He is in the miracle business! Jesus is reliable, compassionate, kind, and generous. He fulfilled the request of this Gentile government official, so He was not partial to only the Jewish community. He is the Savior.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank You for this example of the miraculous signs that You performed while You were here on earth. You are amazing, and I am bowing in my heart, praising You for Your compassion with this dying boy and for the prayers You’ve mercifully heard from my family and friends.

Verses of Salvation ~ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it. Philippians 1:27-30

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

How are you doing with your New Year's resolutions and diet? Looking for a good way to prepare vegetables? Have you tried roasted veggies?

Roasted Veggies
Cover a large cookie sheet with parchment paper. Heat oven to 450 degrees.

Choose one cup of raw vegetables per person for the list below:
Asparagus
Broccoli

Brussel sprouts
Cauliflower
Mushrooms
Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Sweet Onion
Cut veggies into bite-sized pieces. Place veggies on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with olive oil. Roast for about 20 minutes or until browned. Sprinkle with freshly ground salt. Enjoy knowing that you are eating healthy.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Thursday, March 12, 2026

He is Indeed the Savior of the World

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, "He told me everything I ever did!" When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. Then they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard him ourselves. Now we know that he is indeed the Savior of the world." John 4:39-42

Meditate. Read God’s word and listen.

When Jesus was invited, He stayed for two days in Sychar with the Samaritans. During that time, He preached and taught just what God wanted them to know, His message. What was it? What convinced them that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world?

Wisdom from the Bible
Jesus lived His word.

The Samaritans believed. They heard Jesus speak and teach. It wasn’t the testimony of one of their own, but hearing Jesus for themselves. Obviously, we don’t have the opportunity to see Jesus, but His very words are recorded for us in the Gospels. Have you read them for yourself? Do you believe? What convinces you that Jesus is indeed the Savior of the world?

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He is compassionate and willing to share His knowledge, wisdom, and His life with the Samaritans, a mixed Jewish race. He wasn’t here just for the Jews. He is truthful. He is the Savior of the world.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, Your life, teaching, miracles, sacrifice, death, and resurrection are astounding. What can I say, but I believe in You, as my Lord and Savior! Glory, glory, glory!

Verses of Salvation ~ For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commands (Leviticus 18:5). But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven?' (to bring Christ down to earth). And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart (Deuteronomy 30:12-14)." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Romans 10:5-10

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Nourishment Comes From Doing the Will of God

Fruit for Eternal Life

Meanwhile, the disciples were urging Jesus, "Rabbi, eat something." But Jesus replied, "I have a kind of food you know nothing about." "Did someone bring him food while we were gone?" the disciples asked each other. Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, 'One plants and another harvests.' And it's true. I sent you to harvest where you didn't plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest." John 4:31-38

Meditate. Consider Jesus as human and divine.

We all get tired and hungry. Jesus did, too. The disciples left Him at Jacob’s Well to rest while they went into Sychar to get something to eat. When they returned, He didn’t seem to want to eat. Rabbi, eat something. His food was spiritual. I love that Jesus explains this…and talks about finishing God’s work.

My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.

This was early in His ministry, but He is looking ahead—saving the lost people of Sychar. Doing God’s will. How often do we wonder if what we are doing is “in God’s will,” and how do we determine that? Jesus focuses on God’s will throughout His ministry.

For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:38-40

Doing God’s will. Love God and love others. Believe in His Son. I think that sums it up.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father. To be obedient. Plant. Water. Harvest. From where does your nourishment come?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, You’ve been a great example to us—from the beginning of Your ministry, all You wanted to do was the will of our Heavenly Father. Can we do any less?

Verses of Salvation ~ Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. ... "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. ... "I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me, just as my Father knows me and I know the Father. So I sacrifice my life for the sheep. John 10:9, 11, 14-15

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Who said… I AM the Messiah?

For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth." The woman said, "I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us." Then Jesus told her, "I AM the Messiah!" Just then his disciples came back. They were shocked to find him talking to a woman, but none of them had the nerve to ask, "What do you want with her?" or "Why are you talking to her?" The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?" So the people came streaming from the village to see him. John 4:24-30

Meditate on who the Messiah is to you.

Old discarded water jar...in Israel.

The Woman at the Well left her water jar and ran to the village, telling everyone about the man she met by the well. Could he possibly be the Messiah? Did the Samaritans believe in the Messiah? Good question. In verse 25, she said to Jesus, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ.” So, the Samaritans did believe in a coming Messiah, though possibly they thought that He was more of a prophet than a king, that He would be a returning Moses. Like the Jews, they were watching and waiting for His return.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage? He declared that He is the Messiah. He doesn’t boast about that everywhere He goes, but He revealed it to this Samaritan woman and her town of Sychar. Do you believe that Jesus is the Messiah, our Savior? There are so many promises on which we can depend. He is the Way, the Truth, the resurrection, and the life. Search the Scriptures for yourself. Seek Him, and you will find Him. Are you watching and waiting for Christ’s return?

Prayer – Lord, I believe. You are the Messiah!

Verse of Salvation ~ …then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." [And so] He does away with the first [covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices] so that He may inaugurate and establish the second [covenant by means of obedience]. And in accordance with this will [of God] we [who believe in the message of salvation] have been sanctified [that is, set apart as holy for God and His purposes] through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed) once for all. Hebrews 10:9-10 AMP

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP),

Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm.

Books by Mickey M. Hunacek

Available as e-books or paperbacks at Amazon.com

Parenting Day By Day - Daily Devotional for Building Character

Coins in the Bible: New Testament Stories