
Matthew 14:1-36
14:1-2 | Herod ruled Galilee and Perea, where much of Jesus’ ministry took place. Although John the Baptist had performed no miracles, Herod’s guilty conscience (for executing John) and his superstitious beliefs made him fear that John had come back in the form of Jesus (Luke 9:7-9). Terrible guilt in the human mind often gives birth to wild fantasies.
14:3-8 | This story shows what a man will do for a woman, especially when influenced by alcohol and seduced by an erotic dance, as Herod undoubtedly was! In an awkward attempt to reward the daughter of Herodias, Herod made a promise that he regretfully had to fulfill – that is, decapitating John the Baptist.
14:3-5 | John the Baptist was imprisoned for speaking words of truth. John confronted Herod for his sin of seducing Herodias (Lev. 18:16; 20:21), the wife of his half-brother Philip. Christians must be willing to speak out for righteousness when no one else will, even at great price.
14:9-12 | Was sorry could translated “was aghast or grief stricken.” Apparently Herod had respected John the Baptist, so Herodias’ request was unwelcome. However, to preserve his standing before his guests, Herod carried out the promise and had John beheaded. Herod is a tragic picture of a narcissistic, capricious, and cowardly man – one who feared others and bowed to their whims.
14:14 | The call to extend godly compassion does not depend on circumstances. Jesus had just lost His beloved cousin, the Jewish leaders were plotting against Him, and He knew what lay ahead in Jerusalem. Yet moved with compassion, He stopped to meet the needs of the crowd, healing their sick.
14:16-20 | The disciples had no food with which to feed the hungry crowd, but Jesus told them to give them something to eat. God often gives His children tasks they cannot complete with their own strength. The loaves and fish, which seemed insufficient from a human perspective, were more than enough for Jesus to feed the crowd (John 15:5; Phil. 4:13). With 12 baskets left over, Jesus may have been signaling that this feast was Israel’s – a basket for every tribe.
14:18-19 | Jesus was clearly in control, giving instructions as to how the situation would be resolved. He commanded, took, blessed and broke and gave the loaves. (This did not institute the ordinance of Communion… that was done at the Last Supper.)
14:21 | This mentions 5,000 men. With women and children, this number could have actually been closer to 20,000.
14:26 | Though the disciples just witnessed a miracle, they failed to apply that experience of Jesus’ power to this situation.
14:30 | What people focus on becomes magnified, especially in fearful circumstances. The difference between faith and fear is focus.