Snapshot (6-10 min)
Get started by watching the lesson video as a group. In Mark 6, Jesus feeds thousands of people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. Then, just a couple chapters later, the disciples face a similar problem and somehow forget what Jesus had already done. Their “spiritual amnesia” is something we can relate to—we often forget God’s faithfulness as soon as a new problem shows up. This lesson is about learning to notice God’s provision, remember what he has done, and trust him when we don’t know how things will work out.
Icebreaker (5-10 min)
Do You Remember: Have everyone stand up. Explain that you’re going to test how well they remember things they see and hear. Choose 8–10 random items in the room or quickly name 8–10 random things, such as:
- Backpack
- Basketball
- Taco
- Phone charger
- Dog
- Sunglasses
- Cereal
- Skateboard
Feel free to use the exact list above. Give students about 20 seconds to memorize the list. Then have them close their eyes or turn around and see how many they can remember.
Transition: The disciples had seen Jesus do something unforgettable, but when another problem came up, they still forgot. If we don’t take time to remember and thank God for what he’s done, we can easily forget too.
Highlights (10 min)
Take turns reading the talking points and Scripture passages aloud. These points help summarize the lesson and give students key takeaways for the day. Have students read the talking points and verses.
- Jesus cared about the crowd’s needs. When everyone was hungry, he didn’t ignore them or send them away. Jesus cares about what is happening in our lives too. Mark 6:34-37.
- The disciples focused on what they didn’t have, but Jesus started with what they did have: five loaves and two fish. God can use ordinary things, abilities, and people in ways we may not expect. Mark 6:38-41.
- Jesus provided more than enough. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were twelve baskets of leftovers. God is able to provide even when a situation seems impossible to us. Mark 6:42-44.
- The disciples later faced almost the exact same problem and forgot what Jesus had already done. We can do the same thing when we panic about school, friendships, family problems, or the future. Mark 8:1-4.
- Remembering what God has done helps us trust him with what we’re facing now. Pay attention to the ways God provides for you, and thank him instead of taking those things for granted.
Unpack (25 min)
Read through the questions one at a time and discuss them as a group. Encourage everyone to participate, listen well, and share honestly. This is an opportunity to learn from God’s Word and from one another.
- What part of today’s lesson stood out to you the most? Why?
- What is something you use or enjoy every day that you probably don’t thank God for very often?
- Why do you think the disciples forgot about the first feeding miracle when another huge crowd needed food?
- When something stressful happens at school, at home, or with friends, what do you usually focus on first: the problem or what God has already done for you?
- What are some ways you can help yourself remember all the amazing things God has done for you?
- What are some “five loaves and two fish” in your life—small things God has given you that he could use to help someone else?
- What is one time God helped you through something difficult? How could remembering that experience help you trust him the next time something goes wrong?