The Selfless and All-Sufficient King; Matthew 14:1-21

Our sermon today comes from Matthew 14:1-21, with verses 13-21 serving as our main focus point.

The emphasis of our sermon is the truth that:

Jesus is the selfless and all-sufficient King.

When we read and study through a book of the Bible it’s necessary to study the whole before we go deep into the various paragraphs and passages. The reason we need to have a grasp of the whole is so that we can rightly understand the parts.

We don’t need to do a deep study of passages in the gospel without knowing the general context first. Too many people read the Bible like they are driving on really curvy road for the first time, in the fog at night. You know what it’s like to not know what’s coming next because you can’t see in the fog at night. If you are driving on the road home it doesn’t matter what time of day it is, if it’s raining, foggy, or even dark. You know where you are going and that allows you to pay attention to the things that are most important. But, when you aren’t sure where you are going in the fog and in the dark your senses are on overload and you might make a mistake and even end up off the road.

This is what it can be like when we drop into Scripture without any understanding of the passage, book, or the Bible. We only know what we can see in front of us, but we don’t know where it is going and we don’t know where we have been. You wouldn’t read a letter from a friend and stop at the end of the first paragraph and try to draw conclusions, you read the whole thing so that you know for sure the meaning behind the words at the beginning. In addition, when you read a letter from a friend you read it with all of the relationship moments and history that you have behind you. The letter from a friend comes to you at a specific time in your life, in his or her life, and in the world around you. All of those factors are present in the letter and you assume them as you read it. The same is true for the timeless truths of Scripture. The truth is timeless, but the words were written in a specific time and place by specific people to specific people- and all of this plays a factor too.

It is very difficult to draw the meaning and truth from any set of words without context. This is why we recommend that each family hav a good study Bible to use to help with context and other questions regarding the Bible. If you don’t have one then I’d like to recommend two to you today. I’d recommend the Christian Standard Bible Study Bible and the English Standard Version Study Bible. These are outstanding in providing context and help without going too far and playing the role of the Holy Spirit.

This does not mean that I don’t think others are worth having. It’s just that I know they are expensive and if you are going to save up and purchase one then I think you would better off with one of these over all the others that are out there.

The overall context of Matthews gospel reason that this passage in Matthew 14:13-21 calls to mind the truth that Jesus is the selfless and all-sufficient King is because of the whole gospel that Matthew has written. Remember that Matthew’s gospel has a few major themes that run the course of this book and knowing them helps us to make the best sense of the passages as we study them one by one. The theme of Jesus as the promised Savior King runs from the beginning of the gospel to the end.

Focus Passage: Matthew 14:13-21 (CSB)

13 When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening came, the disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 “They don’t need to go away,” Jesus told them. “You give them something to eat.” 17 “But we only have five loaves and two fish here,” they said to him. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of leftover pieces. 21 Now those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

This miracle is recorded in each of the four gospels… and here in verse 13 Matthew gives us the context of the miracle of feeding the multitude.

Matthew 14:13

13 When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns.

According to Matthew 14:1-12, Jesus performed the miraculous feeding in the wake of John the Baptist’s death. This is what Matthew is referring too that Jesus “heard about” in verse 13.

Matthew 14:1–12 (CSB)

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus. 2 “This is John the Baptist,” he told his servants. “He has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had arrested John, chained him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 since John had been telling him, “It’s not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Though Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd since they regarded John as a prophet. 6 When Herod’s birthday celebration came, Herodias’s daughter danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she answered, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” 9 Although the king regretted it, he commanded that it be granted because of his oaths and his guests. 10 So he sent orders and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus.

Matthew 14:1-2

This is the same Herod who contributes to the crucifixion of Jesus. We are a long way from that moment in Matthew’s gospel, but here we get our first glimpse of Herod and get insight into his heart and attitude toward Jesus.

Herod was afraid of Jesus because He was convinced John the Baptist had come back from the dead to torment him.

Why would this be a fear of his? Herod was afraid of John the Baptist because he had him killed. And he had him killed because John spoke out and condemned his sin. What was the sin? He had stolen his brothers wife and John had preached against it calling him to repent and do what was right. Herod and Herodius (his brothers wife) had both divorced their spouses and married one another.

Herod silenced John by arresting him. Then, Herod killed him because of his lustful and depraved heart.

There are a couple of lessons we can take to heart today on our way to the main passage of our sermon.

1. No earthly ruler is worth compromising your commitment to God

John could have chosen to be aligned with Herod rather than pointing out the truth. I find that this moment is very applicable to the plight of Christians in our country today. We should learn from this moment that we must hold our leaders to the same standard that God holds them too.

We need to remove the mixed up idea that God is in the business of blessing the morally corrupt. Because of Scripture John the Baptist knew that the morals of those in leadership pollute the nation. Regarding our country, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that immorality pollutes the country from both parties. As Christians I think we would be better suited for eternity if we carved out some space in our culture for morality and purity and expected it from those who want our allegiance.

We have to vote or we are not doing our part as Americans. I believe that by voting for those who lead our country to be free, just, and moral we are extending the influence of God’s kingdom. In fact, I would encourage you as a Christian to consider being involved in politics. We are in desperate need of men and women who will serve and lead without compromising their integrity, holiness, and purity.

But, in our voting and participating in the political world of our country we don’t have condone or pretend that a candidate or official is better than they really are. We need to follow the example of John the Baptist and rather than “ordaining” those who are elected in our country, we need to call those in leadership to be pure and holy servants of God.

2. Doing the right thing can be costly, but its worth it.

John the Baptist lost his life because he called Herod out for his sin. It was costly, but it was the right thing. God called John the Baptist to serve Him and to be a voice of the truth. John did what was right for both Herod and the nation when he called him to repent.

I read a research report this week from the Barna group. It was a large report from a huge study done this past year. The study stated:

“We found that two-thirds of conservative Christians said they were dying for pastors not to tell them who to vote for, but how to think biblically about the issues so that they could make up their own minds based on biblical principles.” - Barna Group

The church must stand for what is right, true, just, holy, and pure. To do this we must hold ourselves and everyone around us to the same standard- The Word of God. And this effort requires that pastors return to preaching the whole truth and equipping believers to live according to what the Bible says rather than to do what the pastor says. We must hear and know that doing the right thing can be costly, but its worth it. Why is it worth it? It’s worth it because we don’t live for the rewards of this life.

Here in Matthew’s gospel we find out that John the Baptist was martyred right after the parables of the pearl and the treasure. John the Baptist proved with his death that he found a treasure greater than the world could offer. John gave himself completely to the Lord and lived in obedience until it cost him his life.

You have heard me say before that John is the forerunner of Jesus, and here in his death we see the fulness of that statement. John died because of his obedience to the truth of God’s Word. At the end of Matthews gospel we see Jesus die on the cross because of His obedience to the will and plan of the Father.

Doing the right thing can be costly, but its worth it.

After hearing about John’s death Jesus withdrew and went to be alone. But, that didn’t happen. When Jesus got to the shore on the other side the crowds had come from the towns to the place where he was going.

Matthew 14:13-21 (CSB)

13 When Jesus heard about it, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening came, the disciples approached him and said, “This place is deserted, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16 “They don’t need to go away,” Jesus told them. “You give them something to eat.” 17 “But we only have five loaves and two fish here,” they said to him. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 Then he commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 Everyone ate and was satisfied. They picked up twelve baskets full of leftover pieces. 21 Now those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

I’d like to point out the contrast that Matthew is drawing between verses 1-12 and 13-21. In the first section we see a king, Herod, afraid and villainous. Herod murdered John the Baptist because of his self focused and sinful way of living. Herod didn’t take care of people, he only worried about himself. He didn’t worry about the impact of his decisions and actions. He stole his brother’s wife, and then murdered a prophet of God to make her happy.

Matthew presents Jesus as the King, and in this moment Jesus is contrasted with another king, King Herod. Not only is Jesus a contrast to the selfish and murderous Herod, He is unlike any king the world has ever known.

Jesus is the selfless and all-sufficient King.

Jesus withdrew from the crowds on the news that his cousin had been murdered. And yet, when He saw the crowds Jesus was moved with compassion. Jesus didn’t tell the disciples to turn the boat around. Jesus didn’t tell them he wasn’t getting off the boat until the crowds went away. Jesus looked at the crowds and cared for them.

Jesus is the King who cares for you

Unlike a king who wants the compassion and care of the crowds, Jesus stooped down and cared for the needy and broken who were waiting for Him. At a time when most people would be angry and selfish, Jesus was selfless.

This quality of Christ is why we can come to Him with confidence that He cares about what is happening in our lives. The fact that Jesus can take time to heal and care for others in the wake of His cousins murder demonstrates that you can come to Him with your needs and concerns.

You can and should bring everything you are going through to the Lord. He cares deeply for you. In fact, you should assume that when He sees you, He sees you with compassion and concern for your well-being. He cares for you and He shows it, ultimately through the cross.

The cross is the fullest depiction of the compassion of Christ. Again, His actions are in stark contrast to the leaders of the world. In a world of rulers who talk about themselves and serve themselves, Jesus humbled Himself and died because of his heart and love for sinners. Jesus didn’t puff Himself up by putting us down. Jesus didn’t tell everyone how great He was and how bad everyone else was. Jesus didn’t spend his time telling everyone why they should love him and not others. He spent His time telling them of His love and demonstrating His love through miracles and eventually His death.

Jesus is more than a contrast to Herod, Jesus is the true King, the promised Messiah and He cares for you.And because He cares for you, and continuing the contrast between the worldly King Herod we see that Jesus is the King who provides rather than takes…

Jesus is the King who powerfully provides for you

We have to point out that Jesus performed a miracle. Jesus didn’t just make the most of what the boy had, He did more than that. The same Jesus who took the boys small meal and fed 5,000 men and their families can and will powerfully provide for you as well. This means that how Jesus provides for you is a part of His purpose and plan. If you don’t have what you think you should, then you must trust the Lord with that. It also means that you are to live within the means of what God gives you… you can’t live like you want God to provide, you must live within what God provides. And, if you are lacking and struggling, then notice this truth:

God often provides powerfully for one person through another

In the same way that Jesus took the boys meal and used it to provide for others. God can and will take what you have to use for the good of someone else.

Make sure you are open to how God provides, and be ready for God to use you to provide for others.

The miracle was the result of Jesus’ power, not the quality of the offering

The miracle was not the result of some spiritual version of quality over quantity. The miracle of feeding the five thousand had nothing to do with how much was brought or how good the resources were. Jesus could have made brand new fish and loaves in that moment had chosen to do so.

The boy had a simple and small meal that his mother prepared for Him. When the disciples went through the crowd looking to see if anyone had something to eat, the boy selflessly offered what he had. I can’t imagine that he thought Jesus would perform a miracle with it. It’s more likely that the boy offered his food in anticipation that it would be gathered with all the other and then equally distributed to everyone who was there.

In this miracle Jesus draws specific attention to the reality of His power. Notice that He told the disciples to take care of it and feed the crowds, but they didn’t even know where to start. They brought all this up with Jesus when they told him to send the crowds home.

Jesus reveals His power to provide through the willingness of the boy to sacrifice. The boy didn’t have much in this moment, but he gave Jesus all that He had. Similar to the parable of the treasure and the parable of the pearl in the passage we looked at in the last sermon… the boy gave all that He had to Jesus.

In those two parables Jesus teaches us that the Kingdom of God is made up of those who give everything to have Jesus. Like the man who sold everything to buy field with a treasure and the merchant who sold everything to buy the pearl of all pearls… the boy trusted Jesus to the point of giving Him all that He had, and look what Jesus did with it!

Jesus took the boys offering and did more than anyone could imagine. Not only did Jesus provide enough for every person to have a little bit to hold them to until they got home; Jesus multiplied the boys meal until there was an abundance of leftovers. It was if Jesus wanted to make sure there were no doubts as to the source of provision.

But, not only did Jesus want to make sure that you know that He is the King who powerfully provides for you. Jesus is also making sure we understand that

Your sacrifices for God are never wasted.

Jesus didn’t discard what the boy offered, He used it to an extent greater than imaginable- for the most good and to the glory of the Father.

Like John the Baptist who gave up his life for the truth of the Gospel, when you make a sacrifice for God it may be costly, but its worth it.

Your sacrifices for God are never wasted, but you may have to wait a little while to see the reward.

We live in an instant gratification culture, and it’s infecting the church. When we look around us we need to remind ourselves that we have a context too. The world we live in is increasingly immoral and more openly against the ways of God. When I say world, I mean specifically our country. There is no denying that we have a history filled with regrettable and horrific sins committed against different people, tribes, and tongues. And praise God we have come a long way in our society as it relates too many issues. But, as much as we have sought to be better and more God-honoring in areas, our country has spiraled sinfully downward in others. Our country is controlled by the flesh and not by the mind. We are consumed with instant gratification in every way. As such, the way of the Christian seems even more contrary or out of touch now than ever.

The sacrifices you make for God may not come with an instant gratification for the world and those around you. You may not be applauded for standing up for what is right or doing what God desires. But, according to Jesus there is a day coming when you will hear the affirmation you long for, you will receive the embrace you pray for… You will hear God Himself say “Well done…”

The sacrifices you make for God now are worth it, and the reward you will receive for following Christ is eternal, so stay faithful and give God everything that you have!

So, what does this mean for you?

1. Who you are and what you have is enough when placed in God’s hands.

Your life isn’t valued by the ways the world thinks about things. It’s not about offering the nice things to God or offering more than others offer to God.

Your life value is determined by the cross. You have been made in the image of God and He has lovingly sacrificed to save you and bring you into His family.

If you give Him what you have, He will determine how it is used and the impact that it makes.

Side note- humility is required by everyone… from those He puts in certain position of leadership or authority, and also from those who are under leadership and authority. Remember, what He does with what we give Him is up to Him. We just want to make sure that we have given Him everything that we have.

2. Discerning the right thing requires knowing the Word

At the beginning of the sermon I mentioned the importance of context to knowing the truth of Scripture, and I pointed out that John the Baptist risked his life by doing the right thing.

I want to make sure that you don’t leave here thinking that every risk is worth it because they are not. The risk that John took was based on faith and truth. The risk is always worth it when it’s rooted in the gospel and the truth of Scripture. But, if the risk isn’t rooted in the Gospel and for the glory of God then it’s just that- a risk. There is no eternal reward for the earthly risks and gains that you make.

Don’t go looking for a risk where God hasn’t put one either. God doesn’t reward the risk seekers, He rewards the risk takers who do it based on faith and for the glory of God.

To make sure that your life is filled with doing the right thing regardless of the risk know the Word.

This is the purpose of preaching Personal study in community- Sunday school and D-Groups- Rooted Journals This Fall I will teach on Sunday nights through what we believe (the Baptist Faith and Message) and we will offer a host of spiritual growth options on Wednesday nights.

3. Jesus is the selfless and all-sufficient King who cares and provides for you

He is unlike any king you have ever know… he was unexpected and that was a good thing.

Jesus is compassionate and cares for you

Jesus powerfully provides for you

Let’s give ourselves to Him today