1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus,
2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.”
3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
4 For John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod,
6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so
he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
7 So he sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
8 But she came in and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given.
10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.
11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.
12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.
14 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”
16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.”
17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.”
18 He said, “Bring them here to me.”
19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.
21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.
23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,
24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.
26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
34 And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick.
36 And implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
The True Meaning of Matthew 14
The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, also known as Levi, who was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector, had a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Christ. Several significant events that demonstrate the power and authority of Jesus, as well as the growing opposition he faced from the religious leaders, occur in this chapter. We’ll see how Jesus responds to the beheading of John the Baptist, feeds a multitude with just a few loaves and fish, and walks on water, revealing his divine nature. These miracles and teachings will challenge the faith of his disciples and foreshadow the growing conflict that will ultimately lead to Jesus’ crucifixion.
Throughout this passage, we’ll find echoes of other biblical accounts, such as the Exodus story, where God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. These parallels remind us of God’s unwavering provision and the continuity of his plan for the salvation of humanity, as revealed through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 14:1-12
A passage in Matthew 14:1-12 encompasses the tragic end of John the Baptist’s life. The passage begins by setting the stage, describing how Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus. This Herod is Herod Antipas, son of King Herod the Great, who had tried to have Jesus killed when He was a baby. It is significant that Jesus’ fame was spreading, and even the ruling authorities were now taking notice of Him.
Moving on, the passage recounts how Herod had arrested John the Baptist because John had been condemning Herod’s marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. This marriage was unlawful according to Jewish law as well as being blasphemous in the eyes of God. John’s boldness in speaking out against this marriage showcases his unwavering commitment to the truth and God’s law, even in the face of powerful opposition.
When Herod celebrated his birthday, Herodias’ daughter danced before them, pleasing Herod, and leading him to promise her anything she asked for. Prompted by her mother, she requested the head of John the Baptist on a platter. While Herod was reluctant due to his respect for John, he gave in to his promise and had John beheaded. This is a chilling example of the consequences of indulging in worldly pleasures and giving in to the demands of others at the expense of what is right and just.
The beheading of John the Baptist serves as a reminder of the cost of living a life of faith and obedience to God in a sinful world. John’s death foreshadows the suffering and persecution that Jesus and His followers would also endure. It is a stark example of the sacrifice and martyrdom that some are called to in their unwavering commitment to the truth. This event also highlights the corrupt and morally bankrupt nature of those in power, who are willing to silence dissent at any cost. The story of John the Baptist’s martyrdom in the broader context of the Bible connects back to the prophecies of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Isaiah. Isaiah 40:3 prophesied about a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. John the Baptist fulfilled this prophecy by preparing the people for the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. His life and death were integral to the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. The passage of Matthew 14:1-12 is a poignant reminder of the cost of discipleship, the corrupt nature of earthly power, and the faithfulness and boldness required to stand up for God’s truth. John the Baptist’s life and death continue to serve as a powerful example for believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of adversity and persecution.
Matthew 14:13-21
Jesus feeds the five thousand in a profound account in Matthew 14:13-21. The verse starts with Jesus hearing about the beheading of John the Baptist, His cousin and forerunner in ministry. This news of John’s cruel death had a significant impact on Jesus, prompting Him to withdraw to a solitary place. It shows Jesus experiencing human emotions of grief and the need for solitude and prayer. This aspect of Jesus’s human side is vital as it informs us that even the Son of God experienced the depths of human sorrow and sought solace in communion with His Father. The crowds followed Jesus on foot from the towns as He sought solace in a deserted place. This unrelenting pursuit by the people seeking Jesus is a powerful reminder of their faith and their recognition of Jesus as a source of healing, wisdom, and hope. Despite His own grief, Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw the large crowd. This compassion is a recurring theme in the ministry of Jesus, emphasizing His love and care for all people, irrespective of their social status or circumstances.
The next significant event in this passage is when evening approached, and the disciples urged Jesus to send the crowds away to the nearby villages to buy food. However, Jesus responded with a challenge to the disciples, saying, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” This statement was a test of faith for the disciples and an opportunity for them to witness the miracle-working power of Jesus. It highlights the theme of faith and the provision of God in times of scarcity.
Following this, the disciples brought Jesus five loaves of bread and two fish, which were woefully insufficient for such a large crowd. Jesus then instructed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the loaves and fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed the food, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Miraculously, the five thousand men, besides women and children, were all fed and satisfied, with twelve baskets of leftovers collected.
This miracle of the feeding of the five thousand serves as a testament to the divine power and provision of God. It showcases Jesus as the provider of physical and spiritual nourishment, echoing the Old Testament accounts of God’s provision of manna in the wilderness to the Israelites. The abundance of the leftovers also signifies God’s overflowing grace and His ability to exceed our expectations. This miracle underscores the theme of faith, trust, and reliance on God’s provision, even in times of scarcity and impossibility. Matthew 14:13-21 reveals the humanity and divinity of Jesus, His compassion for the people, the disciples’ test of faith, and the miraculous provision of God. This narrative challenges us to seek solace in God during times of grief, to have compassion for others, to demonstrate faith in the face of impossibilities, and to trust in God’s abundant provision. It stands as a timeless reminder of the power and goodness of God, encouraging us to rely on Him in every circumstance, knowing that He is a faithful provider who can exceed our expectations and meet our needs abundantly.
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus instructs His disciples to get into a boat and go ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee while He dismisses the crowds who had just witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. After the disciples set off, Jesus goes up on a mountainside to pray by Himself.
This act of Jesus going up to pray alone highlights the importance of solitude and communion with God. Even though Jesus is fully divine, He sets an example for us by prioritizing time alone with His Father. We, too, can draw strength, wisdom, and discernment from spending time in prayer and seeking God’s guidance in our own lives. A storm arises on the sea as the night falls, battering the disciples’ boat with waves. The fourth watch of the night, which is between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m., Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. When the disciples see Him, they are terrified, thinking He is a ghost. But Jesus reassures them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
The disciples’ initial fear upon witnessing Jesus walking on water reflects their lack of faith and understanding. It is a reminder of how easily we can be consumed by fear when faced with the unknown or when our circumstances seem overwhelming. Jesus’s words, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid,” serve as a powerful reminder for us to trust in Him, especially in the midst of life’s storms.
Peter, ever impulsive and bold, asks Jesus to command him to come out on the water. Jesus does so, and Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk on the water towards Jesus. However, when Peter notices the strength of the wind, he becomes afraid and starts to sink. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches Peter, saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Peter’s experience on the water with Jesus underscores the importance of faith and keeping our eyes fixed on Christ. When Peter takes his gaze off Jesus and focuses on the wind and the storm around him, he begins to doubt and sink. This serves as a poignant lesson for us to not let fear or doubt overshadow our faith in God. When we falter, like Peter, we can always cry out to the Lord for help, and He will extend His hand to save us. The wind ceases as Jesus and Peter get into the boat. The disciples in the boat worship Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God. This moment of worship and recognition of Jesus’s divinity underscores His power over the elements and His authority as Lord of all creation. It serves as a pivotal moment where the disciples’ faith is strengthened and their understanding of who Jesus truly is deepens. This passage in Matthew 14:22-33 serves as a powerful narrative that intertwines themes of faith, fear, doubt, and divine intervention. The disciples’ reactions to the storm and Jesus walking on water provide valuable lessons for us today. It reminds us of the importance of trusting in God, keeping our faith steadfast even in the midst of life’s storms, and always turning to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, when we are in need.
Matthew 14:34-36
A brief yet profound passage in Matthew 14:34-36 serves as a conclusion to the miraculous events transpiring earlier in the chapter. The passage states, “When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to Him and begged Him to let the sick just touch the edge of His cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”
The importance of this passage lies in the demonstration of the power of Jesus’ healing touch and the faith of those who sought Him. Gennesaret was a region on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, and it was not only a significant geographical location but also a place where the presence of Jesus brought about immense faith and healing. The recognition of Jesus by the people of Gennesaret is notable, as it shows that His reputation for miracles had spread far and wide.
The act of people bringing their sick to Jesus and merely touching the edge of His cloak for healing underscores the deep faith and belief they held in His ability to heal. This simple act of touching His garment mirrors a similar event in Matthew 9:20-22 where a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years reached out to touch the edge of Jesus’ cloak, believing that she would be healed. The faith of the individuals in both instances led to miraculous healing, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus’ ministry.
Furthermore, this passage serves as a reminder of the compassion and willingness of Jesus to heal all who came to Him in faith. Throughout the Gospels, we see numerous accounts of Jesus healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, making the lame walk, and casting out demons. These miracles were not only physical demonstrations of His power but also poignant illustrations of His love and desire to bring wholeness to those who were afflicted. The events in Gennesaret reiterate the overarching theme of the Gospel of Matthew, which establishes Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah foretold by the prophets. The miracles performed by Jesus served as signs of His divinity and authority, fulfilling prophecies such as those found in Isaiah 35:5-6 which speak of the Messiah restoring sight to the blind, making the lame leap like a deer, and healing the sick. The passage of Matthew 14:34-36 encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ ministry on earth – a ministry filled with compassion, healing, and the restoration of faith. It challenges readers to approach Jesus with unwavering faith, believing in His power to heal and transform lives. Just as the people of Gennesaret experienced miraculous healing through their faith, we too can find healing and restoration by placing our trust in Jesus, the Great Healer and Savior.
After Matthew 14
Jesus miraculously fed the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish in this chapter. This incredible display of abundance and provision reminds us of the power and compassion of our Lord. The people marveled at this miracle and recognized Jesus as the true Son of God. Jesus is the source of all our needs as we reflect on this chapter. Just as He provided for the hungry crowd that day, He continues to provide for us in our times of need. We should trust in His provision and have faith that He will always take care of us. We will now turn our hearts and minds to the next chapter, where we will witness more of Jesus’ teachings and miracles that will strengthen our faith and deepen our understanding of His love for us.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.