The Gospel According to
Matthew 14
36 verses≈ 5 min4 peopleBSB
Images are artistic interpretations.
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In this chapter
The Beheading of John
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus
Herod
and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
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And they went and informed Jesus.
Matthew 14:12
Reflect
Tell Jesus
John’s disciples buried their teacher, and then “they went and informed Jesus.” In their grief, they took the news to Him. What loss or bad news are you carrying that you have not yet told Him?
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns. When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
0:15
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
The disciples
When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
Jesus
“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”
You give them something to eat.
Matthew 14:16
“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.
And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
About five thousand men were fed, besides women and children.
Question
Quick question
Matthew ends the meal with a head count, and he adds a detail the other Gospels leave out.
Who was counted in the five thousand?
Jesus Walks on Water
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.
After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,
but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
Jesus
But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Peter
“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”
Jesus
“Come,” said Jesus.
Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter.
“You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
0:10
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
Pray
Lord, save me
Peter’s prayer was three words long: “Lord, save me!” Then: “Immediately Jesus reached out His hand.” Pray it for yourself today, wherever the wind feels too strong, and trust the hand that takes hold of you.
Jesus Heals at Gennesaret
Stylised map · locations approximate
Where it happened
Landing at Gennesaret
After the night on the water, the boat came ashore at Gennesaret, a small, fertile plain on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Word spread fast, and the sick were brought to Him from all around.
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 region. People brought all the sick to Him
and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.
You’ve experienced
Matthew 14
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A verse to carry with you
Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:27
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