Matthew 14

John the Baptist's Head Is Cut Off

1 At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee and Perea, heard reports about Jesus.

2 He said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead! That is why he has the power to do miracles."

3 Herod had arrested John. He had tied him up and put him in prison because of Herodias. She was the wife of Herod's brother Philip.

4 John had been saying to Herod, "It is against the Law for you to have her."

5 Herod wanted to kill John. But he was afraid of the people, because they thought John was a prophet.

6 On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased Herod very much.

7 So he promised with an oath to give her anything she asked for.

8 Her mother told her what to say. So the girl said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist on a big plate."

9 The king was very upset. But he thought of his promise and his dinner guests. So he told one of his men to give her what she asked for.

10 Herod had John's head cut off in the prison.

11 His head was brought in on a big plate and given to the girl. She then carried it to her mother.

12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

13 Jesus heard what had happened to John. He wanted to be alone. So he went in a boat to a quiet place. The crowds heard about this. They followed him on foot from the towns.

14 When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt deep concern for them. He healed their sick people.

15 When it was almost evening, the disciples came to him. "There is nothing here," they said. "It's already getting late. Send the crowds away. They can go and buy some food in the villages."

16 Jesus replied, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

17 "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.

18 "Bring them here to me," he said.

19 Then Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves into pieces. Then he gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the people.

20 All of them ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces.

21 The number of men who ate was about 5,000. Women and children also ate.

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Right away Jesus made the disciples get into the boat. He had them go on ahead of him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then he sent the crowd away.

23 After he had sent them away, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

24 The boat was already a long way from land. It was being pounded by the waves because the wind was blowing against it.

25 Early in the morning, Jesus went out to the disciples. He walked on the lake.

26 They saw him walking on the lake and were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said. And they cried out in fear.

27 Right away Jesus called out to them, "Be brave! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28 "Lord, is it you?" Peter asked. "If it is, tell me to come to you on the water."

29 "Come," Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus.

30 But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, "Lord! Save me!"

31 Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "Your faith is so small!" he said. "Why did you doubt me?"

32 When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

33 Then those in the boat worshiped Jesus. They said, "You really are the Son of God!"

34 They crossed over the lake and landed at Gennesaret.

35 The men who lived there recognized Jesus. So they sent a message all over the nearby countryside. People brought all their sick to Jesus.

36 They begged him to let those who were sick just touch the edge of his clothes. And all who touched him were healed.

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.