‏ Matthew 14

The Death of John the Baptist

This section tells the story of how John the Baptist was put to death by King Herod. Herod first heard about Jesus and thought that Jesus was John, risen from the dead, because of the miracles happening. The commentary explains how Herod had arrested John because John had told him it was wrong to marry Herodias, his brother's wife. Herodias hated John and wanted him killed, but Herod at first only kept John in prison because he was afraid of the people, who respected John as a prophet. Finally, because of a foolish promise Herod made during his birthday party, he ordered John's execution. This passage shows the danger of sin, the weakness of rulers who care more about their own reputation than doing what is right, and the cost of standing up for truth.

v. 1: At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus (Matthew 14:1 ^a). Herod was a local ruler in Galilee. He had heard about all the miracles and teachings of Jesus, and his fame was spreading everywhere.

v. 2: And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. Herod was afraid. He thought Jesus might be John the Baptist back from the dead, and that this was why Jesus could do miracles. This shows Herod’s guilty conscience about what he had done to John (Matthew 14:2 ^b).

v. 3: For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. The story explains what happened earlier. Herod had arrested John the Baptist and put him in prison because John had spoken out against Herod’s marriage to Herodias, who had been his brother’s wife (Matthew 14:3 ^c).

v. 4: For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. John bravely told Herod that it was wrong and against God’s law for him to marry Herodias. John was not afraid to speak the truth, even to a powerful ruler (Matthew 14:4 ^d).

v. 5: And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they respected John as a prophet sent by God. Herod was more afraid of public opinion than of God’s truth (Matthew 14:5 ^e).

v. 6: But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. On Herod’s birthday, Herodias’s daughter danced for the guests. Herod was pleased by her dance (Matthew 14:6 ^f).

v. 7: Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. Herod was so pleased that he made a careless promise to give her anything she asked for, even making an oath in front of his guests (Matthew 14:7 ^g).

v. 8: And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. The girl, following her mother Herodias’s instructions, asked for John the Baptist’s head on a plate. Herodias wanted John dead because he had spoken against her marriage to Herod (Matthew 14:8 ^h).

v. 9: And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. Herod was upset, but because he had made a public promise and didn’t want to look weak in front of his guests, he agreed to the terrible request (Matthew 14:9 ⁱ).

v. 10: And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. Herod sent the order, and John was killed in prison (Matthew 14:10 ^j).

v. 11: And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. John’s head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. This was a cruel and shocking act (Matthew 14:11 ^k).

v. 12: And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. John’s followers came, took his body, and buried it. They then went and told Jesus what had happened (Matthew 14:12 ^l).

In summary, Matthew 14:1–12 shows the cost of following God and speaking the truth, the danger of making careless promises, and the evil that can come from fear of others’ opinions. It also reminds us that God’s faithful servants, like John the Baptist, may suffer in this world, but their witness and courage are honored by God.

The Five Thousand Fed

This passage tells the story of Christ feeding five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes. It is recorded by all four Evangelists, which shows it is very important. We will look at the events and their meaning verse by verse.

v. 13: When Jesus heard about the plans Herod had against him, thinking he was John the Baptist risen from the dead, he withdrew to a quiet, deserted place by ship to escape Herod's power. Although he could have protected himself by divine power, he chose to flee prudently because his time to suffer had not yet come. Still, many people followed him on foot from all directions. This shows Christ's great influence and that his withdrawal made people want him even more. After John's death, more people seemed to come to Christ, showing how the suffering of God's saints can help spread the gospel. We learn that when Christ and his word move, we should follow them, even if it is difficult. Those who truly want to hear God's word will not mind hardships. Christ's presence makes even a desert feel like paradise.

v. 14: Jesus was moved with deep compassion when he saw the large crowd. Though he had gone for rest and safety, he came out to meet them because he cared for their souls. Compassion moved him to heal many who were sick. Later, when they became hungry, he also cared for their physical needs by feeding them. This shows how Christ's kindness and mercy never fail.

v. 15: As evening came, the disciples suggested sending the crowd away to buy food. They thought the day's work was done and wanted to show their caution rather than zeal. But Jesus refused to send them away hungry or let them buy food themselves. Instead, he told his disciples to feed them. This shows how much more tender and loving Christ was toward the people than even his followers were. Those who follow Christ have enough and need not look elsewhere for happiness. Christ makes attending his word easy and without needless expense.

v. 16: The disciples had only five loaves and two fishes, a very small amount compared to the five thousand men plus women and children present. The food was what the disciples carried for their own use while in the desert, simple and plain fare. Yet Christ would provide a meal for all from this small supply. This teaches that those who have little should still share when there is great need, trusting God to increase it. God can provide abundantly even in the wilderness.

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v. 18-19: Jesus told the crowd to sit down on the grass, showing that while listening to him they stood in respect and readiness. Sitting on the grass without any fancy arrangements showed that Christ's kingdom is not about worldly pomp but spiritual truth. Jesus then looked up to heaven, gave thanks, and blessed the food himself. This teaches us to always ask God’s blessing and give thanks before meals, seeing God as our Father who provides for us. Jesus then broke the bread and gave it to the disciples, who distributed it to the crowd. This shows that spiritual food comes from Christ through his servants, who are stewards to share God’s word faithfully. The food was multiplied as it was shared, not all at once, showing that grace grows by being used, not hoarded.

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v. 20: Everyone ate and was filled. The miracle was clear because there was enough for all, and each person was satisfied. The blessing of God can make a little food go a long way. After all had eaten, twelve baskets of leftovers were collected, one for each apostle. This showed that Christ’s provision is not only enough but abundant. This miracle reminds us of God’s power to multiply blessings and provide richly for his people. All natural things are sustained by Christ’s word and power.

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Jesus Walks on the Water

This section tells the story of Jesus walking on the sea to meet his disciples during a storm. It shows Jesus’ power over nature, the disciples’ fear, Peter’s boldness and weakness, and the importance of faith. The story teaches us to trust Jesus in difficult times, knowing that he is present and able to help us.

v. 22: After the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and go ahead of him to the other side of the lake, while he sent the crowds away. Jesus wanted his disciples to leave quickly so the crowd wouldn’t try to make him king by force (John 6:15 ^m). He also wanted time to pray alone to his Father. Sometimes Jesus sends us into difficulty for our own spiritual good.

v. 23: After sending the people away, Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Even though he was the Son of God, he made time for private prayer. This teaches us the importance of spending time alone with God, especially after busy days or big events. While Jesus prayed, his disciples were in the boat, out on the lake.

v. 24: The boat was already a considerable distance from land and was being battered by the waves because the wind was against them. The disciples struggled in the darkness and the storm, feeling alone and in danger. Sometimes, even when we obey Jesus, we find ourselves in hard situations.

v. 25: During the fourth watch of the night (between 3 and 6 a.m.), Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. This showed his divine power over creation. Jesus is able to come to us in our darkest and most difficult hours, even when we think help is impossible.

v. 26: When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified. They thought he was a ghost and cried out in fear. Sometimes, we do not recognize Jesus’ help because we are afraid or overwhelmed by our troubles.

v. 27: But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Jesus comforts us with his presence and his words. His power and love can calm our fears.

v. 28: Peter replied, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Peter’s request shows both his faith and his desire to be close to Jesus, even in the middle of the storm.

v. 29: Jesus said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. This shows that when we trust Jesus and act on his word, we can do amazing things.

v. 30: But when Peter saw the wind, he became afraid and began to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me!” Peter’s faith weakened when he looked at the storm instead of Jesus. But even then, he turned back to Jesus for help.

v. 31: Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. He said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus is ready to help us when our faith fails, but he also wants us to learn to trust him more fully.

v. 32: When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Jesus’ presence brought peace to the situation. When we invite Jesus into our troubles, he can bring calm and relief.

v. 33: Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” The disciples recognized Jesus’ divine power and responded with worship. The trials they went through helped them to know Jesus better and trust him more.

The People of Gennesaret Flock to Christ

Jesus arrived in the land of Gennesaret, an area between Bethsaida and Capernaum, known as the “valley of branches.” Wherever Jesus went, he did good and performed miracles. The people of Gennesaret responded differently from their neighbors, the Gergesenes, who once asked Jesus to leave. Instead, the people here welcomed him and sought his help, showing strong faith and eagerness to receive his blessings. This passage highlights the importance of recognizing opportunities to seek Jesus, sharing the good news with others, and trusting in his power to heal.

v. 34: When Jesus and his disciples reached Gennesaret, the people quickly recognized him. They had heard about his miracles, especially how he crossed the sea in a miraculous way. This news spread quickly, and many people wanted to see him. Knowing who Jesus is makes people want to come to him. If people truly understood Jesus’ power and love, they would not ignore him. As it is written, He was in the world, and the world knew him not (John 1:10 ⁿ).

v. 35: The people of Gennesaret did not keep this good news to themselves. They told everyone in their area that Jesus was there. Because they cared about their neighbors and their nation, they wanted as many people as possible to meet Jesus. When we find something good in Christ, we should share it with others. The best way to show love for our country is to help spread the knowledge of Jesus to those around us.

v. 36: Many people brought their sick to Jesus, hoping he would heal them. They asked only to touch the hem of his garment, believing that even this would be enough to cure them. They came with great faith, humility, and confidence in Jesus’ power. This attitude was different from Naaman, who wanted a special sign to be healed (2 Kings 5:11 ^o). The people here knew that a simple act—touching his garment—was enough because of who Jesus is. Their faith was likely encouraged by the story of the woman who was healed by touching Jesus’ garment earlier (Matthew 9:20-22 ^p). When we see how others have been helped by Jesus, it can give us courage to seek him in similar ways.

v. 37: Everyone who touched Jesus was completely healed. His power to heal was not limited by the number of people who came to him. Jesus’ cures were perfect and complete, as the Bible says, He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6 ^q). There is plenty of healing and grace in Jesus for anyone who comes to him. Even the smallest contact with Jesus, like touching the hem of his garment, can bring great blessing. When we come to Jesus in faith, we receive what we need. If we are not healed, it is not because Jesus cannot or will not help us, but because we do not truly come to him and trust him. Jesus offers healing freely, and if we refuse it, the responsibility is ours alone.