Matthew 14

1 About that time Herod the Tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

2 and he said to his courtiers, "This is John the Baptist: he has come back to life--and that is why these miraculous Powers are working in him."

3 For Herod had arrested John, and had put him in chains, and imprisoned him, for the sake of Herodias his brother Philip's wife,

4 because John had persistently said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

5 And he would have liked to put him to death, but was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a Prophet.

6 But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before all the company, and so pleased Herod

7 that with an oath he promised to give her whatever she asked.

8 So she, instigated by her mother, said, "Give me here on a dish the head of John the Baptist."

9 The king was deeply vexed, yet because of his repeated oath and of the guests at his table he ordered it to be given her,

10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

11 The head was brought on a dish and given to the young girl, and she took it to her mother.

12 Then John's disciples went and removed the body and buried it, and came and informed Jesus.

13 Upon receiving these tidings, Jesus went away by boat to an uninhabited and secluded district; but the people heard of it and followed Him in crowds from the towns by land.

14 So Jesus went out and saw an immense multitude, and felt compassion for them, and cured those of them who were out of health.

15 But when evening was come, the disciples came to Him and said, "This is an uninhabited place, and the best of the day is now gone; send the people away to go into the villages and buy something to eat."

16 "They need not go away," replied Jesus; "you yourselves must give them something to eat."

17 "We have nothing here," they said, "but five loaves and a couple of fish."

18 "Bring them here to me," He said,

19 and He told all the people to sit down on the grass. Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and after looking up to heaven and blessing them, He broke up the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed them to the people.

20 So all ate, and were fully satisfied. The broken portions that remained over they gathered up, filling twelve baskets.

21 Those who had eaten were about 5,000 adult men, without reckoning women and children.

22 Immediately afterwards He made the disciples go on board the boat and cross to the opposite shore, leaving Him to dismiss the people.

23 When He had done this, He climbed the hill to pray in solitude. Night came on, and he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile the boat was far out on the Lake, buffeted and tossed by the waves, the wind being adverse.

25 But towards daybreak He went to them, walking over the waves.

26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the waves, they were greatly alarmed. "It is a spirit," they exclaimed, and they cried out with terror.

27 But instantly Jesus spoke to them, and said, "There is no danger; it is I; do not be afraid."

28 "Master," answered Peter, "if it is you, bid me come to you upon the water."

29 "Come," said Jesus. Then Peter climbed down from the boat and walked upon the water to go to Him.

30 But when he felt the wind he grew frightened, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Master, save me."

31 Instantly Jesus stretched out His hand and caught hold of him, saying to him, "O little faith, why did you doubt?"

32 So they climbed into the boat, and the wind lulled;

33 and the men on board fell down before him and said, "You are indeed God's Son."

34 When they had quite crossed over, they put ashore at Gennesaret;

35 and the men of the place, recognizing Him, sent word into all the country round. So they brought all the sick to Him,

36 and they entreated Him that they might but touch the tassel of His outer garment; and all who did so were restored to perfect health.

Matthew 14 Commentary

Chapter 14

Death of John the Baptist. (1-12) Five thousand people miraculously fed. (13-21) Jesus walks upon the sea. (22-33) Jesus healing the sick. (34-36)

Verses 1-12 The terror and reproach of conscience, which Herod, like other daring offenders, could not shake off, are proofs and warnings of a future judgment, and of future misery to them. But there may be the terror of convictions, where there is not the truth of conversion. When men pretend to favour the gospel, yet live in evil, we must not favour their self-delusion, but must deliver our consciences as John did. The world may call this rudeness and blind zeal. False professors, or timid Christians, may censure it as want of civility; but the most powerful enemies can go no further than the Lord sees good to permit. Herod feared that the putting of John to death might raise a rebellion among the people, which it did not; but he never feared it might stir up his own conscience against him, which it did. Men fear being hanged for what they do not fear being damned for. And times of carnal mirth and jollity are convenient times for carrying on bad designs against God's people. Herod would profusely reward a worthless dance, while imprisonment and death were the recompence of the man of God who sought the salvation of his soul. But there was real malice to John beneath his consent, or else Herod would have found ways to get clear of his promise. When the under shepherds are smitten, the sheep need not be scattered while they have the Great Shepherd to go to. And it is better to be drawn to Christ by want and loss, than not to come to him at all.

Verses 13-21 When Christ and his word withdraw, it is best for us to follow, seeking the means of grace for our souls before any worldly advantages. The presence of Christ and his gospel, makes a desert not only tolerable, but desirable. This little supply of bread was increased by Christ's creating power, till the whole multitude were satisfied. In seeking the welfare of men's souls, we should have compassion on their bodies likewise. Let us also remember always to crave a blessing on our meals, and learn to avoid all waste, as frugality is the proper source of liberality. See in this miracle an emblem of the Bread of life, which came down from heaven to sustain our perishing souls. The provisions of Christ's gospel appear mean and scanty to the world, yet they satisfy all that feed on him in their hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

Verses 22-33 Those are not Christ's followers who cannot enjoy being alone with God and their own hearts. It is good, upon special occasions, and when we find our hearts enlarged, to continue long in secret prayer, and in pouring out our hearts before the Lord. It is no new thing for Christ's disciples to meet with storms in the way of duty, but he thereby shows himself with the more grace to them and for them. He can take what way he pleases to save his people. But even appearances of deliverance sometimes occasion trouble and perplexity to God's people, from mistakes about Christ. Nothing ought to affright those that have Christ near them, and know he is theirs; not death itself. Peter walked upon the water, not for diversion or to boast of it, but to go to Jesus; and in that he was thus wonderfully borne up. Special supports are promised, and are to be expected, but only in spiritual pursuits; nor can we ever come to Jesus, unless we are upheld by his power. Christ bade Peter come, not only that he might walk upon the water, and so know his Lord's power, but that he might know his own weakness. And the Lord often lets his servants have their choice, to humble and prove them, and to show the greatness of his power and grace. When we look off from Christ, and look at the greatness of opposing difficulties, we shall begin to fall; but when we call to him, he will stretch out his arm, and save us. Christ is the great Saviour; those who would be saved, must come to him, and cry to him, for salvation; we are never brought to this, till we find ourselves sinking: the sense of need drives us to him. He rebuked Peter. Could we but believe more, we should suffer less. The weakness of faith, and the prevailing of our doubts, displease our Lord Jesus, for there is no good reason why Christ's disciples should be of a doubtful mind. Even in a stormy day he is to them a very present help. None but the world's Creator could multiply the loaves, none but its Governor could tread upon the waters of the sea: the disciples yield to the evidence, and confess their faith. They were suitably affected, and worshipped Christ. He that comes to God, must believe; and he that believes in God, will come, ( Hebrews 11:6 ) .

Verses 34-36 Whithersoever Christ went, he was doing good. They brought unto him all that were diseased. They came humbly beseeching him to help them. The experiences of others may direct and encourage us in seeking for Christ. As many as touched, were made perfectly whole. Those whom Christ heals, he heals perfectly. Were men more acquainted with Christ, and with the diseased state of their souls, they would flock to receive his healing influences. The healing virtue was not in the finger, but in their faith; or rather, it was in Christ, whom their faith took hold upon.