Matthew 14

1 At that time did Herod the tetrarch hear the fame of Jesus,

2 and said to his servants, `This is John the Baptist, he did rise from the dead, and because of this the mighty energies are working in him.'

3 For Herod having laid hold on John, did bind him, and did put him in prison, because of Herodias his brother Philip's wife,

4 for John was saying to him, `It is not lawful to thee to have her,'

5 and, willing to kill him, he feared the multitude, because as a prophet they were holding him.

6 But the birthday of Herod being kept, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and did please Herod,

7 whereupon with an oath he professed to give her whatever she might ask.

8 And she having been instigated by her mother -- `Give me (says she) here upon a plate the head of John the Baptist;

9 and the king was grieved, but because of the oaths and of those reclining with him, he commanded [it] to be given;

10 and having sent, he beheaded John in the prison,

11 and his head was brought upon a plate, and was given to the damsel, and she brought [it] nigh to her mother.

12 And his disciples having come, took up the body, and buried it, and having come, they told Jesus,

13 and Jesus having heard, withdrew thence in a boat to a desolate place by himself, and the multitudes having heard did follow him on land from the cities.

14 And Jesus having come forth, saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion upon them, and did heal their infirm;

15 and evening having come, his disciples came to him, saying, `The place is desolate, and the hour hath now past, let away the multitudes that, having gone to the villages, they may buy to themselves food.'

16 And Jesus said to them, `They have no need to go away -- give ye them to eat.'

17 And they say to him, `We have not here except five loaves, and two fishes.'

18 And he said, `Bring ye them to me hither.'

19 And having commanded the multitudes to recline upon the grass, and having taken the five loaves and the two fishes, having looked up to the heaven, he did bless, and having broken, he gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes,

20 and they did all eat, and were filled, and they took up what was over of the broken pieces twelve hand-baskets full;

21 and those eating were about five thousand men, apart from women and children.

22 And immediately Jesus constrained his disciples to go into the boat, and to go before him to the other side, till he might let away the multitudes;

23 and having let away the multitudes, he went up to the mountain by himself to pray, and evening having come, he was there alone,

24 and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went away to them, walking upon the sea,

26 and the disciples having seen him walking upon the sea, were troubled saying -- `It is an apparition,' and from the fear they cried out;

27 and immediately Jesus spake to them, saying, `Be of good courage, I am [he], be not afraid.'

28 And Peter answering him said, `Sir, if it is thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters;'

29 and he said, `Come;' and having gone down from the boat, Peter walked upon the waters to come unto Jesus,

30 but seeing the wind vehement, he was afraid, and having begun to sink, he cried out, saying, `Sir, save me.'

31 And immediately Jesus, having stretched forth the hand, laid hold of him, and saith to him, `Little faith! for what didst thou waver?'

32 and they having gone to the boat the wind lulled,

33 and those in the boat having come, did bow to him, saying, `Truly -- God's Son art thou.'

34 And having passed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret,

35 and having recognized him, the men of that place sent forth to all that region round about, and they brought to him all who were ill,

36 and were calling on him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment, and as many as did touch were saved.

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.