THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 14, John Beheaded, Jesus feeds the Five Thousand, Jesus Walks on The Water

 

THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 14

John Beheaded, Jesus feeds the Five Thousand, Jesus Walks on The Water

The Bible is separated into books, chapters and verses, so it is easy to consider what came in the previous book or chapter is disconnected with what came in a previous book or chapter. It is like thinking that chapter has ended and now here is something new in another chapter or book. But, the Bible is the breathed out Word of God. It is the longest, continuous love letter spoken by God to His created. It has been written down by men under the direction of the Holy Spirit of God for us to read in this day. Furthermore, the Gospels were written by first hand witnesses, often corroborating one another’s accounts.

So, as we continue with Matthew chapter 14, keep in mind that what you are reading is connected to the narration of the entire Bible. In other words, it is your next step in the journey from Genesis through the Revelation. It is a progressive teaching and training for the disciple of Jesus, both then and now. Reading and absorbing these words and teachings, you, like a living stone, are being built up into a spiritual house for a holy and dedicated priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable and pleasing to God through Jesus Christ. (see 1 Peter 2:5).

John the Baptist Beheaded

Matthew 14:1, At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, verse 2, and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he himself has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

Verse 3. For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. Verse 4. For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Verse 5. Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded John as a prophet.

Verse 6. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, verse 7, so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatevershe asked. Verse 8. And after being prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” Verse 9. And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths and his dinner guests. Verse 10. He sent word and had John beheaded in the prison. Verse 11. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Verse 12. John’s disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.

(Commentary Break): Excluding the crucifixion of Jesus, this account of the beheading of John the Baptist is one of the most macabre events recorded in the New Testament. If there was any doubt the Herod was a beast of a man, this erases that doubt. His family was equally degenerate and evil.

John was beheaded to satisfy the grisly and debased desires of a perverse, immoral and debauched woman.

This is representative of the challenges you may face, whether greater or less, as you fulfill your calling and mission with Jesus. Jesus warned, in Matthew 5, verse 12 and 13, that “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

This also tells us that despite the horror and depravity of this event, it was foreordained. It was part of God’s plan, and John did not shrink back from destruction, but he had the faith that preserves the soul (see Hebrews 10:39). He was called and faithfully completed his mission.

This may be hard for some to accept, but becoming a Christian and following Jesus, may require more than you have been told to this point. So I am telling you now, the cost of being a disciple requires all you have and all you are. And be aware that God takes no pleasure in those who shrink back! Therefore, do not throw away your confidence when trials come, for it has a great reward. You may need the endurance that comes from confidence, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised. (see Hebrew 10:35).

Finally, and on bit of a lesser note, there is ongoing speculation about why Herod said, “This is John the Baptist; he himself has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” Bible commentators and teachers widely speculate that Herod was imagining these things or that he mistakenly identified John with Jesus. This is all nonsense. Jesus said, in Matthew 11:11-15, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

The Bible is quite clear that John the Baptist is called “Elijah” because he came in the “spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17), not because he was Elijah in a literal sense. John the Baptist is the New Testament forerunner who points the way to the arrival of the Lord, just as Elijah filled that role in the Old Testament. John did for Jesus what Elijah was to have done for the coming of the Lord. The point of this is the fulfillment of prophecy. It has come to pass, just as the Bible said. You can depend on and have confidence in the Word of God to accomplish all that it says. Now, go! Complete your mission and calling! (End Commentary Break).

Five Thousand Men Fed

Verse 13. Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself; and when the people heard about this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. Verse 14. When He came ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick.

Verse 15. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is secluded and the hour is already past to eat; send the crowds away, so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Verse 16. But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go; you give them something to eat!” Verse 17. They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves and two fish.” Verse 18. And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Verse 19. And ordering the crowds to sit down on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looked up toward heaven. He blessed the food and breaking the loaves, He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. Verse 20. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces: twelve full baskets. Verse 21. There were about five thousand men who ate, besides women and children.

(Commentary Break): Try to see with me that with the death of John the Baptist still fresh on Jesus’ mind, Jesus enters a boat and withdraws to a secluded place. The Bible doesn’t say why Jesus seeks solitude, but it does say that the crowds chased Him down and met at the shoreline even before He could get out of His boat or find rest. And Jesus saw the crowd and felt compassion. Please note, if you are a devoted follower of Christ on His mission, especially if you claim the title of pastor, this is the response of the Shepherd. He did not moan and lament, ‘how do I get away from these people and find rest’. He felt compassion. As it should be with anyone so called. This is our example.

I will not speak to this miraculous feeding of the 5,000. It is self-explanatory. But I will call notice to the symbolism of the ‘broken bread loaves’ as Jesus’ body, and the significance ‘leftover broken pieces’ and the 12 full baskets. The ‘broken pieces’ are significant that He is broken for us.

The meaning of the number 12 is completeness. The number 12 in Hebrew signifies perfect government, God’s government, divine order. Perhaps this is why we see:

God chose 12 tribes of Israel.

He ordained 24, (12 x 2), priestly divisions.

The 12 gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem point to His reign.

The 12 disciples chosen by Christ reveal the rule and authority of Jesus.

The context of 12 symbolizes the completeness of the nation of Israel. This stands for the completeness of His governing authority.

So, what do we do with this knowledge? What do we learn from the fact that numbers hold meaning in God’s Word and that the number 12 signifies God’s control and reign? Perhaps the most significant thing we can take away from this knowledge is nothing in Scripture is random or incomplete. God is a God of details, all pointing to His wisdom and power.

The meaning of 12 symbolizes His government and authority and should encourage us as the world seems spinning out of control. Though we’re living in the middle of the now and not yet, the New Jerusalem not on this earth with its twelve foundations and twelve gates, we know God is not finished. (End Commentary Break).

Jesus Walks on the Water

Verse 22. Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. Verse 23. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. Verse 24. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. Verse 25. And in the fourth watch of the night, (about 3 a.m.), He came to them, walking on the sea. Verse 26. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. Verse 27. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Verse 28. Peter responded and said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Verse 29. And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. Verse 30. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Verse 31. Immediately Jesus reached out with His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Verse 32. When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. Verse 33. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are truly God’s Son!”

(Commentary Break): Verses 22 through 33 are rich with teachings and matters of curiosity, courage and faith. I suggest you read these verses over, several times and meditate on them, visualize them, to get a clear picture in your mind.

Now, review them again, and first, place yourself as getting into the boat with the other disciples. Close your natural eyes and see it with spiritual eyes. Think it. Feel it.

Now, place yourself in the boat, a long distance from land. It is 3 a.m. It is deathly dark, and a storm comes up and your boat is driven by a fierce wind and large waves are crashing over the bow and battering your boat. You are soaked from the rain and waves and hanging on for your life. Close your natural eyes and see. Think it. Feel it.

Suddenly, you and the other disciples see the figure of a man walking on the water, in the face of the wind and among the waves, and you are terrified. You cry out if fear, “It is a ghost!” Close your natural eyes and see.  Think it. Feel it.

Then Jesus speaks to your and the others, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Now put yourself in the place of Peter, as if you are Peter. Being true to your character, as Peter, you dare to ask Jesus if you can join Him in the tempest and on the wave. Jesus says, “Come”, and you step out of the boat. Close your natural eyes and see. Think it. Feel it.

Seeing the wind, you become frightened, and you began to sink, crying out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reaches out with His hand and takes hold your hand, and says, “You of little faith, whydid you doubt?” Close your natural eyes and see. Think it. Feel it.

When Jesus and you get back into the boat, you are sitting the in the boat, exhilarated, exhausted and wet. The wind stops. Close your natural eyes and see. Think it. Feel it.

As you sit in the boat, what do you say?  Say it. (End Commentary Break).

Verse 34. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. Verse 35. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word into all that surrounding region and brought to Him all who were sick; verse 36, and they pleaded with Him that they might just touch the border of His cloak; and all who touched it were cured.

The men of that place recognized Him. If you do, indeed, recognize Him, what will you do?

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young.

NEXT: THE BOOK OF MATTHEW – Chapter 15, Inner Purity, Faith of a Gentile, Jesus Heals, Jesus Feeds 4,000.

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