Matthew 14: Jesus Fed Thousands and Walked on Water

Matthew 14: Jesus Fed Thousands and Walked on Water

Collin Leong. April 19, 2025

v1-12: John The Baptist Beheaded (Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:7-9)

(v1-2) When Herod heard about Jesus, he said to his attendance that he is John the Baptist who had risen from the dead, which is why he has miraculous powers. 

(v3-5) What happened was that Herod has captured John because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.  John had been saying to Herod that is it not lawful for him to have her. Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people as they believed John was a prophet. 

Herodias has left Philip, her husband, and married Herod Antipas. There were no historical record of Philip's reaction. Herod Antipas is a different than Herod the Great who ordered the killing of males 2 years old and below after Jesus was born. 

(For details about the "Herods", please see the Appendix.)

(v6-12) On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for the guest and pleased Herod. He promise her with an oath to give whatever she asked. The mother told her to ask for John's head on a platter.  Herod was distressed but because of his oath and the guests, she ordered her request be granted. 

John was beheaded in prison and brought on a platter and give to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went to tell Jesus. 

The act of being informed about John's death doesn't diminish Jesus' divine knowledge. Instead, it emphasizes the relational aspect of his life on Earth. He interacted with people, received news, and responded to events as they unfolded. This duality—being fully human and fully divine—is central to understanding his character and mission.

(v13-21)  Jesus Feeds the Five Thousands (Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15)

(v13-14) When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. The crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed the sick. 

Note that in Mark 6:31, the disciples went on the boat with Jesus to "go to a quiet place and ger come rest."  Matthew made the point that Jesus wanted to go to a solitary place, but didn't mention the disciples.  Being Jesus is not easy. Even when he wants to be alone, the crowd follows him wherever He goes. He cannot even mourn for His biological cousin. He has so much compassion that He can't say no to them. 

(v15-21)  When evening approaches, the disciples asked Jesus to let the crowds go to the villages and buy food. But Jesus told them to give them something to eat instead. They said they only have five loaves and two fish. Jesus took the loaves and fish and looked up to heaven to give thanks, and he broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples who distribute the food to the people. After they ate and was satisfied, the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of left overs. The number who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. 

This miracle is the only one mentioned by all four gospel. The miracle illustrates that God's blessings are not limited. The leftover twelve baskets of food symbolize abundance and the sufficiency of God's grace. 

The disciples were overwhelmed by the complexity (remote area, It's too late, no money (John 6:7), not enough resources) and size of the problem.. 

We must trust in God's provision of our needs, act with compassion, and recognize that even small contributions can have a significant impact when placed in God's hands.

(v22-33)  Jesus Walks On The Water (Mark 6:45-52; John 6:16-25)

(v22-24) Jesus told the disciples to get into the boat and go to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After that, he went up a mountainside by to pray, and he was all alone. The boat was already far away, buffeted by waves as the wind was against it. 

Luke's Gospel emphasizes Jesus' prayer life more than the others, highlighting his frequent withdrawal to solitary places to pray. It was estimated 25 instances Jesus prayed to God in the gospels. Jesus prayed not because he lacked divine knowledge or power, but to model dependence on God and maintain his intimate relationship with the Father. His prayers demonstrate humility, reliance on God's will, and the importance of spiritual communion. They also serve as a powerful example for believers, showing that prayer is essential for guidance, strength, and connection with God.

(v25-31)  Shortly before dawn, the disciples saw Jesus coming to them, walking on the lake. They thought is was a ghost and cried out in fear. Jesus shouted at them, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid!" 

Peter answered and said "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."  And Jesus told him to come. Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and he beginning to sink and cried out to the Lord: "Lord, save me!"

Jesus immediately reach out and caught him, and said "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

When Peter stepped out of the boat, his initial faith allowed him to walk on water toward Jesus. However, when he noticed the wind and waves, he became afraid and began to sink. The storm and wind symbolize life's challenges, fears, and distractions. These can shake our faith and focus. When we take our eyes off Jesus (or lose sight of our spiritual anchor), fear and doubt can overwhelm us, just as they did Peter.

However, we need to be like Peter, who was willing to step out of his comfort zone into risky situation once Jesus asked him to come. Though he had problem, Jesus rescued him when he cried to Him. As long as we serve the Lord, He will take care of us.

(32-33) And when Jesus and Peter climbed into the boat, the wind died down. All the disciples in the boat worshipped Him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

I'm sure that if anyone of us were in the boat, we will also bow down to Him and worship Him. However, the disciples may be more familiar with what Job 9:8 said: "He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea." 

Psalm 77:19 also says, "Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen."  These verses highlights God's sovereignty and ability to control the natural world. Only God can walk on water!

When Jesus walked on water, it confirmed to the disciple his divine authority, affirming his identity as the Son of God.

(v34-36) Jesus Heals at Gennesaret (Mark 6:53-56)

The boat landed at Gennesaret. Again, the people there told the surrounding towns that Jesus was there. People brought their sick to him, and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak. All who touched it were healed. 

Exp: Why did they asked Jesus to let the sick touch the edge of his cloak, just as the woman with issue of blood had done and was healed (Matt 9:20-22)?  They have probably read Malachi 4:2 - “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” The word "wings" in Hebrew was "kanaf" which can also mean “corners” or “edges” of a garment — the same place where tassels were attached. They believe that the corners of Jesus garment would carry healing.  

Appendix

1. The 'Herods' in the Bible

Herod the Great was officially recognized as the "King of Judea" by the Roman Senate and ruled from 37 BCE to 4 BCE.  Herod Antipas, were not a king but a tetrarch, which is a title for rulers of a quarter of a region. Herod Antipas governed Galilee and Perea during Jesus' ministry and is often referred to as "Herod the tetrarch" in the Bible. His reign lasted until 39 CE, when he was exiled to Gaul by Emperor Caligula after being accused of conspiracy by his nephew, Herod Agrippa I. and he became the next tetrarch.

Herod Agrippa was mentioned in Acts 12, where he is described as persecuting the early Christian church. He ordered the execution of James, the brother of John, and imprisoned Peter. Later in the chapter, Herod Agrippa I is struck down by an angel of the Lord and dies because he did not give glory to God when the people praised him as a deity.

Historical records indicate that after Agrippa I's death in 44 CE, Judea returned to direct Roman rule under a series of Roman procurators.