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Matthew 14

World English Bible

WEB

1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, 2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him.” 3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5When he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. 6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced among them and pleased Herod. 7Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she should ask. 8She, being prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.” 9The king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded it to be given, 10and he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11His head was brought on a platter and given to the young lady; and she brought it to her mother. 12His disciples came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. 13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities. 14Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.” 18He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19He 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, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children. 22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.” 28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.” 29He said, “Come!” Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!” 34When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who were sick; 36and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

Matthew Chapter 14 begins with the account of the death of John the Baptist, which serves as a pivotal moment in the ministry of Jesus. King Herod hears about the miraculous works of Jesus and believes that John the Baptist has risen from the dead, reflecting his guilt over having executed John. This chapter recounts how Herod had imprisoned John because of Herodias, his brother's wife, and ultimately beheaded him at the request of Herodias' daughter, Salome. This tragic event highlights the cost of discipleship and the consequences of standing for truth, as John boldly confronted Herod about his immoral marriage. The narrative emphasizes the theme of persecution faced by those who proclaim God’s message, as seen in #JohnTheBaptist's unwavering commitment to righteousness despite the personal cost.

The chapter then transitions to the miraculous feeding of the 5,000, where Jesus demonstrates His compassion and divine authority. After hearing about John's death, Jesus withdraws to a solitary place, but the crowds follow Him. Moved by compassion, He heals their sick and, when evening comes, the disciples suggest sending the people away to find food. Instead, Jesus instructs them to feed the crowd, using five loaves and two fish provided by a boy. Miraculously, Jesus blesses the food, and it multiplies to feed 5,000 men, plus women and children, with twelve baskets of leftovers remaining. This miracle not only showcases Jesus' power over nature but also foreshadows the spiritual nourishment He offers as the Bread of Life.

The chapter concludes with Jesus walking on water, further revealing His divine nature. After sending the disciples ahead in a boat, a storm arises, and they are terrified. Jesus approaches them, walking on the water, and reassures them with the words, "Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid." Peter, demonstrating faith, asks to walk on the water too, but begins to sink when he doubts. Jesus immediately reaches out to save him, teaching a profound lesson about faith and reliance on Him. The chapter ends with the disciples worshiping Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God, which reinforces the central theme of recognizing Jesus' true identity and authority in the midst of life's storms.

Overall, Matthew 14 illustrates the themes of faith, divine provision, and the cost of discipleship, encouraging believers to trust in Jesus amidst trials and to recognize His power to provide and protect.

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Referenced by

  1. 2 Kings 4:42-44v17Elisha feeds a hundred men with twenty loaves in 2 Kings 4:42-44, prefiguring Jesus feeding the five thousand with five loaves and two fish in Matthew 14:17-21, illustrating God's provision and abundance.
  2. Isaiah 41:13v31Isaiah 41:13 speaks of God holding the right hand of His people, similar to Jesus reaching out to save Peter from sinking in Matthew 14:31, symbolizing divine help and support.
  3. Matthew 15:32v14Matthew 15:32 describes Jesus' compassion and the feeding of the four thousand, paralleling the earlier feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14:14-21, demonstrating Jesus' compassion and provision.
  4. Mark 6:50v27In Mark 6:50, Jesus tells His disciples to take courage and not be afraid as He walks on water, a reassurance also found in Matthew 14:27, emphasizing His divine authority over nature.
  5. Acts 27:35v19In Acts 27:35, Paul gives thanks and breaks bread, reminiscent of Jesus' actions in Matthew 14:19 during the feeding of the five thousand, symbolizing God's provision and the importance of gratitude.

Topics in this chapter

Related chapters

  • Mark 6Feeding the 5000GennesaretHerod Antipas
  • John 6Walking on WaterFeeding the 5000Bread of Life
  • Matthew 15GennesaretTrust in JesusBread of Life
  • 2 Kings 4AbundanceCareMiracles
  • Matthew 8Trust in JesusSea of GalileeJesus' Ministry
  • Luke 9Bread of LifeJohn the BaptistSon of God
  • Exodus 16Bread of LifeEucharistMiracles
  • Mark 5Trust in JesusSea of GalileeJesus' Ministry
  • Matthew 16Confession of FaithDivinityPeter
  • Matthew 17Son of GodJesus' MinistryDivinity
  • Mark 8Confession of FaithSea of GalileeJesus' Ministry
  • Matthew 9Trust in JesusSea of GalileeJesus' Ministry

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