Matthew 14 study

Matthew 14

Verses 1-12

1 At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptizer; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason the deeds of power are at work through him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him away in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, 4 for John had been saying to him, “It is not permitted for you to have her.” 5 And although he desired to kill him, he feared the crowd, because they considered him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday celebration took place, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore, with an oath he swore to her to give whatever she might ask. 8 And having been urged by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptizer.” 9 And although the king was distressed, on account of the oaths and those reclining at the table, he commanded it to be given. 10 And he sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was carried on a platter and given to the girl, and she carried it to her mother. 12 And his disciples drew near and took away the corpse and buried it, and they came and reported it to Jesus. 

v. 4 - see Lv 18:16; 20:21

v. 6 - the only 2 people in the Bible who celebrate birthdays are Herod and Pharaoh. Both are followed shortly after by an execution.

Similar circumstances to beginning of Esther

Verses 13-21

13 And when Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a desert place by Himself. And when the crowds heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when He came out of the boat, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them and healed their sick. 15 And when it was evening, the disciples drew near to Him, saying, “The place is a desert and the hour already passed by; release the crowds, in order that they may go away into the villages and purchase for themselves food.” 16 But Jesus said to them, “They have no need to go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 But they say to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” 18 But He said, “Carry them to Me here.” 19 And He commanded the crowds to recline for a meal on the grass, and He took the five loaves and the two fish and looked up to heaven and blessed them. And He broke them and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20And they all ate and were satisfied, and they took up what was left of the broken loaves, twelve baskets full. 21 And those who had eaten were about five thousand men, apart from women and children.

v. 16 - see 2 Kings 4:42-43

Matthew–Luke Comment

Jesus wants solitude, but the crowds want him.

Matthew–Luke Comment

the disciples think the crowds should go buy themselves some food. In their judgment, Jesus has done enough for the crowds. It is time for them to take care of themselves.

Matthew–Luke Comment

Matthew teaches the ideal reader several things about Jesus. First, he sees human need. Second, he has compassion for humanity. Third, he can meet human need. In his hands, meager resources will suffice. In

Connecting Scripture New Testament Chapter 14

The breaking of five loaves and two fish to feed five thousand men plus women and children (14:21), in a “remote” place (14:13), and leaving twelve baskets of leftover pieces (14:20) parallels the abundant provision of manna for the twelve tribes of Israel in the wilderness in

Verses 22-33

22 And Jesus immediately compelled the disciples to get into a boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. 23 And after He had sent the crowds away, He went up into the mountain by Himself to pray, and when evening came, He was there alone. 24 And the boat was already many stadia distant from the land, being harassed by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking upon the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking upon the sea, they were shaken, saying, “It is a phantom!” And from fear they cried out. 27 But Jesus immediately spoke to them, saying, “Take courage! I AM. Do not fear.” 28And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to go toward you upon the water.” 29 And He said, “Come.” And Peter descended from the boat and walked upon the water and went toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong wind, he feared, and as he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And Jesus immediately extended His hand and took hold of him and says to him, “You of little faith, why did you waver?” 32 And when they went up into the boat, the wind stopped moving. 33 And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

v. 30 - Psalm 69:1-2.

Matthew–Luke Response

Taking

Matthew–Luke Comment

Since they set out at sunset (v. 23), the disciples have been on the lake, rowing against the storm and floundering in it, for at least nine hours.

Matthew–Luke Comment

His faith weakens (v. 31), and yet he does the right thing, calling to Jesus, “Lord, save me” (v. 30). And Jesus does so; he “immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him” (v. 31).

Matthew–Luke Comment

Matthew’s message is not “Peter failed; do not be like Peter.” No, the passage teaches that Peter’s failure did not bring catastrophe because Jesus did not fail Peter. Peter took his eyes off of Jesus, but Jesus never took his eyes off of Peter. Peter was safe when he took his eyes off of Jesus because Jesus kept watch over Peter.

Matthew–Luke Comment

The failures of the disciples are the setting for the lesson of this passage, not the lesson itself. The passage teaches chiefly that Jesus demonstrates his power, compassion, and deity by rescuing his disciples from a storm threatening their lives. He redeems whether their faith is strong or doubt-stained and vacillating. Therefore, Matthew says, disciples should not fear what befalls them but must trust their powerful and gracious Redeemer.

Matthew–Luke Comment

After the last storm, the disciples asked, “What sort of man is this …?” (8:27). They were unsure. Now they confess his deity and worship, even if they barely grasp their own words. So the miracle becomes a sign.

Verses 34-36

34 And they crossed over to the other side and came up on land at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out word to that whole neighboring area, and they brought to Him all who were in a bad state, 36 and they were imploring Him that they might only touch the border of His garment; and those who touched were rescued.