Matthew Chapter 14
Earlier in the book of Matthew we learned that John the Baptist had been put in prison for speaking up against Herod who had seduced his brother’s wife.
In this chapter we will find that John has been executed. John was gruesomely beheaded to appease the request of Herod’s wife Herodias.
Herodias’ daughter danced for Herod’s birthday. This dance pleased Herod and he wanted to reward her by giving her whatever she wanted. Her mother, Herodias took the opportunity to murder the one man who spoke against their unlawful marriage.
Let's Reflect
1. Herod had heard about the miracles that Jesus performed. Being paranoid and guilty he thought that Jesus might be whom?
2. When Jesus heard about the murder of John what did He do?
3. Jesus had little time for solitude because a great crowd came to Him. The Bible says that Jesus had compassion on them. What did Jesus do because He had compassion for them?
Mark 6:34 When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.
4. Jesus taught the people and the day got late. The disciples suggested the crowds be dismissed to go to a town to buy food. Jesus had a better idea. What was it?
5. This is a question you already know the answer to, but it is one that is worth thinking about for a moment. How many baskets of food were left over after the food was distributed to 5,000 men plus the women and children? Can you imagine the conversations that took place as the people walked home?
6. When the crowds were finally dismissed Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Jesus wanted to spend time talking with His Father. We don’t know what He prayed about, but more than likely it relates to the compassion He felt for the lost people who needed a shepherd. And He probably was praying for His disciples. The disciples had gotten in a boat and were making their way to the other side, but what happened?
7. Somewhere between 3 and 6 am they saw Jesus coming to them, walking! They of course could not believe their eyes. What did they do?
8. Jesus immediately spoke comforting words to them. Peter thought it would be a great idea if he walked out on the water to go meet Jesus. While I think that Peter was crazy, I have to admire his faith. He wanted to express faith in the power of Jesus. When the doubt crept up we know that Peter began to sink, but Jesus rescued him. Having little faith showed weakness. Jesus indicated that there was no reason for him to be weak. What did He say to Peter?
9. Don’t miss the miracles (plural) that happened when they got off the water and back on dry land. These miracles were a bit different. How were people healed as recorded here in Matthew?
10. Do you think this was an expression of great faith or simply the compassion of Jesus?
Devotionals
