Banquet With The King

Monday, July 6, 2026

What Was Jesus Teaching?

Where is the shepherd?
Are these sheep without a shepherd?
Are you?

Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:34

Then Jesus climbed a hill and sat down with his disciples around him. (It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration.) John 6:3-4

He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick. Luke 9:11b

Meditate. Read this scripture again and listen to what God is saying.

Jesus compared these people to sheep without a shepherd. Did He see Himself as their shepherd? Do shepherds teach their sheep anything? Sheep are considered to be pretty stupid animals. They’ll blindly follow another sheep and eat continually. Consider Psalm 23 and how that shepherd cares for his sheep.

The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever. Psalm 23:1-6 NLT (Underlined for emphasis.)

When this shepherd guides the sheep along the right path, could he be teaching them? I think maybe so, since teaching is imparting knowledge and instruction, which could ultimately bring honor to the teacher. That is what the teacher and shepherd are doing—guiding the student or sheep along the right path. Have you ever experienced a teaching method that guides a student along the right path? Old grade school reading instruction or programs did just that, as they encouraged students to survey the reading assignment, read, review, and then recite. Yes. That encouragement directed students down the right path.

These passages tell us that Jesus taught them many things—possibly a review or recitation of His Sermon on the Mount. We do have the specific information that Jesus taught them about the Kingdom of God. What is that Kingdom? He is. Heaven on earth…and ultimately in the heavenly place of Heaven.

What do we learn about Jesus’ character from these scripture passages?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, would I have crowded You if I had been living at the time You were on earth? Would I have followed You from place to place waiting to see You perform more miracles and heal more people? Good questions. Do I do that now? Like lots of others, I wait for You to heal family and friends—but that doesn’t always happen. Still, You are my Shepherd—and I put my trust in You.

Verses of Salvation ~ Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children's children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything. Psalm 103:15-19

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

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

Sunday, July 5, 2026

Because of Miraculous Signs

The Sea of Galilee
Israel

After this, Jesus crossed over to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. John 6:1-2

But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick. Luke 9:11

Meditate. Read these passages again. Consider the crowds.

I don’t like crowds. Maybe I should say that I am just uncomfortable around big groups. I guess it comes from growing up on a farm where I had lots of my own space…and living near a small town with less than 2,000 people. There were only 44 in my graduating high school class. Less is more to me. I don’t opt to attend big gatherings like baseball or football games with 10,000 other people. Several years ago, I did go to a women’s conference with my daughter and 5,000 ladies. The crowd wasn’t too overwhelming; the lines weren’t too long. I was OK. How do you feel about crowds, about crowded situations? You can understand why Jesus wanted to escape the multitudes that were following Him. They were really crowding Him, wanting to get close to request His healing and to touch Him. People will do just about anything to be healed of some physical ailment.

Jesus showed compassion to this throng of people. Luke tells us that He welcomed them, taught them, and healed them. That is caring and loving. That was one of Jesus’ strong characteristics. Love. Love demonstrated with miraculous signs. People today still pray, asking Jesus for cures, for a healing touch, and mercy. What do you most talk about with Jesus as you pray? Is it adoration, confession, asking for stuff or healing, or genuine thanksgiving? A balance of all those would be good. If it is just the “give me” requests, then you may want to reconsider your priorities in your relationship to Jesus.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I do adore You. I am continually in awe of You and all that You are. You taught others that we should pray, ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,’ but it is human nature to sin—and I am no better than anyone else. I have fallen short of Your glory. Please forgive me for my rebellious, selfish sin. Thank you for Your faithfulness, compassion, and most of all, love. Thanks for answered prayers—and even for the unanswered requests. I trust You and Your plan for our future.,

Verse of Salvation ~ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." "But we are descendants of Abraham," they said. "We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, 'You will be set free'?" Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." John 8:31-36

Glorious July 4^th to everyone in the USA

250 Years of Freedom

Praise and Thank the Lord!

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

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

Saturday, July 4, 2026

Who Do We Tolerate?

And some of the scribes answered and said, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” For they did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything. …While all the people were listening, He said to the disciples, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and love respectful greetings in the marketplaces, and chief seats in the synagogues, and places of honor at banquets, who devour widows’ houses, and for appearance’s sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation.” Luke 20:38-38, 45-47

Meditate on Freedom and Tolerance.

Jesus tolerated the Pharisees. They were trying to catch Him in some error…but Jesus had all the right answers. He said and did the right things…but not always right in the eyes of the Pharisees and scribes, the Jewish rulers. Do we accept the things that others say…and thus tolerate their words and actions? Are they leaders of our country…or rulers of other nations?

This is a day when we remember the freedom for which our nation fought and obtained in 1776 and has continued to strive for at home and abroad. Democracy and the rights of the people, by the people and for the people. Maybe our nation needs to see now where tolerances strengthen and weaken us.

Before you watch the fireworks with your family tonight…or shoot off some fireworks together…discuss the freedoms we have in our nation…and that other people in other nations lack. Freedom to speak freely, freedom to bear arms (carry guns), freedom to get together and discuss things (right to assembly together), freedom to worship when and where we want, freedom for liberty and the pursuit of happiness, among other things. Then, as the fireworks are set off, say this one is for…our freedom to worship God however we want. This one is for the freedom of speech. This one is for the freedom to assemble together…and so on. Consult the Bill of Rights for a more complete list of our freedoms.

It is always fun to dedicate a round of fireworks to each family member or friends with whom you are watching the display. This one if for you…_________. This next one is for you, Dad! BOOM! Wow—that was great! The next one is for you, (insert name), for the way you tolerate xxxxx (name or behavior) and the way you show love to (insert name). Honor each other for their words and actions.

Prayer – Lord Jesus ~ help the United States of America to see that individually and collectively we should treat others in the way that we want to be treated.

Verses of Salvation ~ Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah God is to us a God of salvation; And to GOD the Lord belong ways of escape from death. Psalm 68:19-20 NASB20

Glorious July 4^th to everyone in the USA

250 Years of Freedom

Praise and Thank the Lord!

Portions recycled from July 4, 2013, Banquet With The King blog.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

Portions recycled from July 4, 2013, Banquet With The King blog.

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

Friday, July 3, 2026

We Need Rest

Get on board!
We'll cross the Sea of Galilee to the other side.
Rest on these peaceful waters of Israel.

Then Jesus said, "Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile." He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn't even have time to eat. So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. Mark 6:31-32

Meditate on quietness.

Jesus was so wise. He knew that He and the disciples needed rest. Remember one of the Ten Commandments is about rest.

On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. And God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, because it was the day when he rested from all his work of creation. Genesis 2:2-3

Just like Jesus and the disciples, we need rest. The disciples had just returned to Capernaum from a time of ministering to others—like a working vacation. They were excited about the work they’d been doing—but they were probably exhausted. Now Jesus wanted them all to rest…alone, without crowds. The Sea of Galilee could be very restful—with no storms, the water could be as smooth as glass, calming, and peaceful. Just what Jesus and His disciples needed. They were headed for an equally restful place, but will they find it as quiet and relaxing as they’d hoped?

What knowledge about Jesus do you obtain from this scripture passage?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I appreciate Your reminder to rest! I’m tired…and I need rest. Unlike You, I have no crowd surrounding me, so I have no excuse. I just need to take my rest. Please give me the sleep that my body needs…and that will help my spiritual rest and growth, too.

Verse of Salvation ~ Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Romans 13:10-12

Friday’s Feast at the King’s Table

A restful meal on the Fourth of July. It can be a simple stressless day—to celebrate our nation. Choose a menu that is easy for you and your family. Here’s a simple menu—with some do ahead dishes that we all enjoy. Then kick back and enjoy the fireworks.

Fourth of July Celebration Menu:

Appetizer: Charcuterie board with meats, cheeses, and veggies of choice (do ahead)

Hot dogs and Hamburgers

Cheese, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes to top off the burgers

Potato Salad – prepare the day before

Corn on the Cob

Watermelon

Iced Tea or Lemonade drinks

Dessert: S’mores, Fruit pie, or Strawberry shortcake with Ice Cream

Enjoy this holiday with family and friends.

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

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

Thursday, July 2, 2026

Do You Have a Story to Tell?

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Mark 6:30

Meditate on traveling and returning home.

Reenactment of Jesus with His disciples.
Everyone sharing their stories...
...as they feasted together.

Imagine how excited the disciples were to see Jesus again and tell Him what they had encountered. The sick, blind, lame, and demon-possessed people. They had prayed and healed them. They didn’t have cell phones, so how did they know when to return to Capernaum? Maybe Jesus had set a time for them all to come back together? Maybe the Holy Spirit just guided them? Whatever, they were all back in one place with stories to tell.

Everyone has a story to tell. Have you ever taken a trip and come home with all kinds of stories? Sometimes adventures create the most memorable situations.

Jesus was the greatest teacher ever—even non-believers and Jews will admit that Jesus was a great teacher. These verses from the Bible tell us that Jesus taught His disciples—He gave them instructions, teaching them to be teachers. When they got together again, the disciples reported what they had taught and done. He also taught more than just His disciples. He compassionately taught the everyday people. This homecoming of the disciples was just before the feeding of the five thousand men. Watch as Jesus continued to teach by showing compassion to the great crowd. So, what can we learn about teaching from Jesus?

1. Do it with compassion – just like He taught and fed the 5,000—we should approach those we have the opportunity to teach with compassion.

2. Teach those who are in our immediate circle—like His disciples. Disciple or train them in the way that Jesus did: focusing on putting God first, following His teachings and commandments, the importance of bearing fruit, loving one another, and making disciples. Teach others to be ready themselves to teach others about Christ.

3. Teach others beyond our immediate circle. Jesus went out to the cities and taught people wherever they came to Him—like by the Galilean Lake shore.

4. Listen to those you are teaching. Jesus listened to His disciples. He met their needs. One example of this is when they asked Him to teach them to pray—and He gave us the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13).

5. Take time with those you are teaching—nothing of value happens instantaneously unless it is a miracle. Discussion with those you are teaching/discipling is a good way of learning—giving insights to both the student and the teacher.

6. Teach by example—Jesus washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:4-12).

Are you learning anything from studying about Jesus?

Prayer – Lord, help us to be teachable and give us wisdom and understanding that we can be better teachers to bring You glory and honor.

Verse of Salvation ~ Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. Psalm 25:5

Portions reused from Banquet With The King blog on August 21, 2013.

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

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Do You Want to See Jesus?

Jesus is the Light of the world.
Where do you see Jesus?
Beach near Ocean Shores, Washington.
When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about everything Jesus was doing, he was puzzled. Some were saying that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. Others thought Jesus was Elijah or one of the other prophets risen from the dead. "I beheaded John," Herod said, "so who is this man about whom I hear such stories?" And he kept trying to see him. Luke 9:7-9

Meditate. Consider Jesus’ popularity.

Everyone wanted to see Jesus. Those with ailments, diseases, evil spirits. The hungry, down and out, tax collectors, rich young rulers, the Pharisees and scribes, and now even Herod Antipas wanted to see Jesus. Do you want to see Jesus? Blind men asked Jesus to heal them. For what are you asking Jesus? Like Herod, are you puzzled?

Where do you see Jesus? In nature? In scripture? In your prayers? Seek Him, and you WILL find Him as promised throughout the Bible. David told His son Solomon that.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Also, think about what Isaiah wrote. It is exciting to see what God has for us in His Word. I could keep on reading and seeking for hours. Praise God when you find Him!

Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the LORD that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:6-9

So, now is the time to seek the Lord. Do you truly want to see Jesus?

What is Jesus showing you about Himself in this scripture today?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, I want to see You and to know You. As it is written in Second Corinthians, For God, who said, 'Let there be light in the darkness,' has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6. Let Your light shine Your truth into and through my life. You are the light of the world…and without light we are in darkness. Thank You for showing us the truth, for You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life, John 14:6. I praise You, Lord, for You are my hope, my joy, and my salvation.

Verse of Salvation ~ We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. 2 Corinthians 4:14

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

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

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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

A Life Cut Short

When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus, he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles." For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod's brother Philip). John had been telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry her." Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet. But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him, so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted. At her mother's urging, the girl said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!" Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders. So John was beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. Matthew 14:1-12

Meditate. Read this passage again. Consider Jesus’ feelings about this.

Jesus has been told that His cousin, John the Baptist, is dead. Jesus’ ministry began when John baptized Him in the Jordan River. Now, John had been beheaded. What a cruel way to die—and for such a flimsy reason. Herod said to his young step-daughter, “I’ll give you anything you want” for doing such a pleasing dance. Anything? Including the head of John the Baptist. Herod’s wife, Herodias, was seeking revenge against John for his criticism of her relationship with Herod. Off with his head. It was served up on a tray—possibly a silver platter—and given to Herodias. How sad for his followers and for family, like Jesus. John’s followers buried his body.

What do we learn about Jesus from this scripture passage?

How about a cupcake instead
of a head for a birthday?

Prayer – Lord Jesus, we know that life is sometimes cut short—but it is usually by an accident or some deadly disease. John was a righteous man who wanted others to comply with God’s plan for marriage—to one person, for life. Herodias was upset for being accused of a sin. Upset or convicted? Help us to be compassionate to those who are grieving, like those who likely mourned for John the Baptist.

Verses of Salvation ~ Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2

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

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

Monday, June 29, 2026

Time to Minister to Others

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. Matthew 11:1

So they began their circuit of the villages, preaching the Good News and healing the sick. Luke 9:6

Meditate. Consider Jesus and His disciples heading out to minister to the people in the surrounding villages.

The time had come. His basic teaching program was accomplished. The ministry of His disciples began. Healing the sick, the lame, the blind, and the demon-possessed, as well as teaching and sharing the Good News about God’s Kingdom, was now the responsibility of the disciples. Jesus Himself went out to teach and preach around the Galilean region. It was like an explosion. Everyone went in all directions. There were six groups of two each, and then Jesus and other followers whom He had not chosen as disciples and specifically sent out. I imagine that some of the women traveled with Him, preparing meals and ministering along with Him. They were quite a troupe of individuals setting off into the territory in which Jesus had chosen. Go and seek out the Jews, ministering to them. God had sent Jesus to save the Jews first. They were His chosen people.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, thank you for ministering to and saving the Gentiles, too. I am in awe of You since You trained the disciples for Your service. Now, it is our responsibility to do that for You. Help us to identify the individual to whom You want us to minister. May You be glorified.

Verses of Salvation ~ As for us, we can't help but thank God for you, dear brothers and sisters loved by the Lord. We are always thankful that God chose you to be among the first to experience salvation--a salvation that came through the Spirit who makes you holy and through your belief in the truth. He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

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

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