Matthew 14

Matthew 14 describes a series of significant events in the ministry of Jesus, showcasing His compassion, power, and authority over nature. It begins with the tragic beheading of John the Baptist, then transitions to Jesus feeding the five thousand, and concludes with Him walking on water, demonstrating His divine control and care for His followers amidst challenges.

Matthew 14:1-2 (NKJV)
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus
2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, hears about Jesus’ ministry and miracles. Troubled by guilt, he believes that John the Baptist, whom he had executed, has risen from the dead and is performing these works through Jesus. This indicates Herod’s guilty conscience and superstitious belief, viewing Jesus’ power as a form of supernatural vengeance or a return from death.

Matthew 14:3-5 (NKJV)
3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.
4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Herod had previously imprisoned John the Baptist for openly condemning Herod’s unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife. While Herodias harbored a deep grudge against John, Herod was hesitant to kill him because of John’s popularity and reputation as a prophet among the people, revealing the tension between Herod’s fear of public opinion and Herodias’s desire for vengeance.

Matthew 14:6-10 (NKJV)
6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.
7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”
9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her.
10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison.

At Herod’s birthday celebration, Herodias’s daughter performs a dance that greatly pleases Herod, leading him to make a rash vow to grant her any request. Under her mother’s influence, she demands John the Baptist’s head. Bound by his oath and pressured by his guests, Herod reluctantly orders John’s execution, illustrating the dangers of pride, manipulation, and impulsive decisions.

Matthew 14:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.
12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

After John’s brutal execution, his disciples respectfully retrieve his body for burial and inform Jesus of the tragic news. This moment marks a solemn point in Jesus’ ministry as He loses a close ally and prophetic forerunner, setting the stage for Jesus’ deepening ministry and the challenges ahead.

Matthew 14:13-14 (NKJV)
13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities.
14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

Upon hearing of John’s death, Jesus seeks solitude, likely to mourn and pray. However, the crowds follow Him, hungry for His teaching and healing. Despite His grief, Jesus is filled with compassion, attending to their needs by healing the sick, reflecting His selflessness and care for others even in moments of personal sorrow.

Matthew 14:15-21 (NKJV)
15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.”
19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes.
20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained.
21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

As evening approaches, the disciples express concern over the crowd’s need for food. Jesus challenges their faith by instructing them to provide for the people with their limited resources. Through blessing the five loaves and two fish, He miraculously multiplies them, feeding over five thousand people with abundance left over. This miracle illustrates Jesus’ provision and power, underscoring His ability to meet the needs of His followers.

Matthew 14:22-23 (NKJV)
22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away.
23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.

After feeding the multitudes, Jesus instructs His disciples to cross the lake while He dismisses the crowd and retreats to a mountain to pray. This solitary time in prayer reflects Jesus’ reliance on communion with the Father, especially following the emotionally and physically demanding events of the day.

Matthew 14:24-27 (NKJV)
24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.
27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

As the disciples struggle against a storm, Jesus approaches them, walking on the water. Terrified, they mistake Him for a ghost, but He reassures them of His presence and encourages them not to fear. His command over nature and calming words bring comfort, reminding them of His authority and care even amidst fearsome circumstances.

Matthew 14:28-33 (NKJV)
28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”
29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.
30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
33 Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Peter’s experience of walking on water serves as a powerful object lesson about faith and maintaining focus on Jesus. When Peter fixes his eyes on Jesus and trusts His word, he walks above the turbulent waters, demonstrating the miraculous power of faith. However, the moment Peter becomes distracted by the storm around him—symbolic of life’s challenges and fears—he begins to sink, revealing how doubt can disrupt our spiritual victories. Jesus, in His compassion, immediately saves Peter, illustrating His readiness to rescue those who call upon Him. This incident emphasizes that keeping our eyes on Jesus is essential to experiencing His miraculous work in our lives, such as overcoming sin, navigating trials, and living with peace and purpose. The story encourages believers to trust fully in Jesus, knowing He sustains us even when our faith falters, and reminds us that true worship flows from recognizing His divine authority and saving power.

Matthew 14:34-36 (NKJV)
34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.
35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick,
36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.

Arriving in Gennesaret, Jesus is quickly recognized, and people bring their sick to Him in faith, believing even a touch of His garment would heal them. Jesus responds with compassion, healing all who come to Him, further demonstrating His power to restore and His deep compassion for those in need.