In Genesis 1, God created light and brought the world out of darkness. Jesus described himself in a similar way. As the Light of the World, he wants to enter our brokenness and set things right—even in a dark world where his healing light is not always welcome.

Jesus follows one of his most famous miracles—the feeding of the 5,000—with a bold proclamation about his identity … and then some jarring statements about his flesh and blood. For the “fans” looking for miracles and free food, this was too much. They were done. But we can learn a lot from the true followers who stayed.

A hungry crowd. A deadly storm. When things feel out of control—then and right now—Jesus is greater than it all. When we realize who he really is, and we trust him enough to do what he says, incredible things can happen.

“Get up, pick up your mat and walk.” For a man who had lost all hope, Jesus steps in. This powerful story also shows us the way Jesus heals and restores far more than just our physical bodies.