Matthew: Chapter 14
Matthew chapter 14 records two most famous incidents in the Bible, along with the conclusion to John the Baptist's life.
John the Baptist Beheaded
Hearing about the miracles done by Jesus, Herod the tetrarch, being conscience stricken wondered aloud if John the Baptist arose from the dead. Herod had John imprisoned for speaking against him, saying it was unlawful for Herod to have his brother's wife, Herodias. Though Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, who held John to be a prophet. However, Herod reluctantly executed John, because of an open oath he gave to Herodias’ daughter. John's disciples took his body and buried it. This concludes the life of John the Baptist, the forerunner to Jesus Christ.
John played a crucial role in the arrival of the Messiah. He was the voice in the desert and his life foreshadowed that of Christ, as we would see in subsequent chapters. But here, I'd like to make a note of John's bravery and readiness to do what is right even though it might end up harming him. He definitely know that standing up against a ruler and calling him out for his sin would not be a pleasant thing to do. However, he spoke because he was burdened and maybe hoping it could cause Herod to realize his mistake.
Jesus feeds the five thousand
After this transpired, Jesus privately left for a solitary place by boat. The crowds however followed him on foot and when Jesus landed on the other side, he saw a large crowd and having compassion on them he healed their sick. As evening approached, his disciples asked Jesus to send away the crowd so that they may go to nearby villages and get something to eat. Jesus, asked them to provide something to eat to everyone with what they had.
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| Jesus looked up to heaven, gave thanks and broke the loaves |
Taking five loaves of bread and two fish they had, Jesus looked up to heaven, gave thanks, broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples who in turn gave them to all the people seated there. They all ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces that were left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, besides women and children.
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| They were satisfied and had food left over |
The clear emphasis is on how Jesus can provide for ones who seek him. The miracle recalls how the Israelites were fed by the Father when they were in the desert. It also shows the compassion Jesus had for the people. Jesus had left for a secluded placed to pray, but seeing the people who took efforts to reach him, he couldn’t just let them leave without being satisfied. Also, the miracle didn’t just quench the hunger of the people, but was abundant to take left over baskets full after everyone was satisfied.
Jesus walks on water
Immediately after this, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. Then he went up a mountainside by himself to pray. Later, he sees the boat considerable distance away, buffeted by the waves because the winds were against it. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. The disciples naturally were terrified, prompting Jesus to assure them it was he.
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| Jesus Walks on Water |
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Matthew 14:27
At this point Peter asked Jesus to let him to walk on water as well, which Jesus granted, and Peter walked on water. However, he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, he cried out to Jesus to save him. Jesus caught him and chided him for doubting. Once they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Those in the boat worshiped Jesus saying “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:33)
The purpose of this miracle was mainly to increase the faith of the disciples and also to confirm to them that Jesus is the Christ. This is done by showing that nothing is beyond Jesus, and God can do anything and everything, even things which are beyond comprehension. The disciples now more confidently acknowledge Jesus and slowly understand what everything means.
Peter’s stroll on water captures what faith in God can achieve. As long as Peter didn’t doubt, and had his eyes set on Jesus, he did not sink. And even when he doubted and fell, he remembered to call to Jesus who was there to save him, albeit rebuking him for doubting.
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" Matthew 14:31
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| "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" |
When they landed on the other side, people recognized Jesus, and sent word around that people brought their sick and Jesus healed them. This once again shows how the people seemed Jesus. However, one thing to note here is that they sought Jesus, primarily to be healed, and secondly to be provided with things concerning this life. Very few understood that Jesus was Christ at this point, and followed Jesus for eternal life.
This chapter takes a break from the sermons and shows the effect Jesus had on the people and his disciples. All these miracles are further signs proving that Jesus was the one was sent by the Father. Yet, these weren’t taken as signs by everyone.
Here are a few questions to self examine ourselves. Why do we seek God? Is it just for needs and wants of this life? Or is it to find, understand and do the will of God? When troubles arise, do we look at Jesus and stand firm in our faith? Or do we sink and then cry out to him? Are we brave and courageous in the LORD to stand for the right thing? Or do we compromise and turn aside?
Prayer is not just about asking, but also about listening. The more we spend time with God, the more intimate and closer we grow towards God. This transforms us into the best version of ourselves and also gives us the boldness to stand firm in faith come what may. This closeness also makes us understand the heart of God and what God expects from us.
So, lets meditate more on the Bible and listen to what God has to say to us. See you in the next one. Take care of yourself and each other.
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