Matthew 14:14

14 And Jesus went out, and saw a great people [And Jesus, going out, saw a great multitude], and had ruth on them, and he healed the sick men of them.

Matthew 14:14 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 14:14

And Jesus went forth
Either from the mountain where he sat with his disciples, ( John 6:3 ) or out of the desert, where he had retired for secrecy; or out of the ship, which seems best, the company having got thither before his landing:

and saw a great multitude;
for, there were about five thousand men, beside women and children, ( Matthew 14:21 )

and was moved with compassion toward them:
partly on account of their bodily infirmities, which were very many and great; and partly on account of the bad situation they were in, through want of spiritual pastors to feed them with the bread of life; for Mark gives this as the reason, moving his compassion, "because they were as sheep, not having a shepherd": all which shows the truth of Christ's human nature; proves him to be a merciful high priest, and one truly concerned for both the bodies and souls of men:

and he healed their sick;
which they brought along with them, and that without the use of any medicine, by a word speaking: so that as the former phrase gives proof of his humanity, this attests his divinity: but this was not all he did, he not only healed their bodies, but he taught them the doctrines of the Gospel; and spake to them concerning the kingdom of God, for the good of their souls, as the other evangelists relate.

Matthew 14:14 In-Context

12 And his disciples came, and took his body, and buried it; and they came, and told to Jesus.

13 And when Jesus had heard this thing, he went from thence in a boat, into a desert place beside. And when the people had heard, they followed him on their feet from cities.

14 And Jesus went out, and saw a great people [And Jesus, going out, saw a great multitude], and had ruth on them, and he healed the sick men of them.

15 But when eventide was come, his disciples came to him, and said, The place is desert, and the time is now passed; let the people go into towns, to buy them(selves) meat. [Soothly the evening made, his disciples came nigh to him, saying, The place is desert, and the hour hath now passed; leave thou the companies, that they, going into castles, buy meats to them.]

16 Jesus said to them, They have not need to go; give ye them somewhat to eat. [+Forsooth Jesus said to them, They have no need to go; give ye to them to eat.]