Written ~ 01-18-2024
Read Matthew Chapter Fourteen
Matthew 14
In this chapter we learn about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus feeds a crowd of 5000 and walks on water. Three different stories, but all tied together.
When Jesus had heard about the death of His cousin, He left on a boat to be alone. John the Baptist was the one who proclaimed His coming, but not only that he was family. I’m sure this grieved Jesus tremendously to hear how John had died. It says in 14:13a,
“As soon as Jesus heard the news, He left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But…”
Why did I include the word “but?” I’m sure Jesus could have used some time alone to pray, gather His thoughts and grieve His cousin’s death, but a crowd of people had a much different plan for Him. As Jesus stepped off the boat He was met with this giant crowd, probably pressing in on Him asking questions, wanting to be healed, asking Him to speak more words of wisdom. I’m sure if it were you or me, our patience and countenance would not have been so gracious. But no, Jesus had compassion on them, even though He was grieving, He healed their sick and had them gather around so He could speak to them.
I would say most of us know the story about the feeding of the 5000, the miraculous breaking of five loaves of bread and two fish which fed 5000 men in addition to all the women and children! But did we ever think about the human state of emotions Jesus must have been going through? We need to remember that even though Jesus was the Son of God, He was 100% human, He had emotions, He felt the heaviness of grief, the weariness of long travel and the exhaustion of a very long day. So when the people were fed and sent back to their homes, verse 14:23 says,
“After sending them home, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. Night fell while He was there alone.”
Jesus had some time to Himself. When you and I are grieving, we know the kind of heaviness that can be placed on our bodies, even though you push through the day, grief has a way of pulling you down. I’m sure when Jesus was finally able to slip away and spend time with His Father, He was able to release the pressure of emotion that was building up. Do you ever wonder what Jesus prayed about during this time alone? Would He be praying for the disciples of John so they would carry on spreading the Gospel Message? Would He be praying for His disciples to understand all that they were seeing and learning? Would He pray for His own grief to be lifted so He could be in a place of rejoicing over the good John had done? Was He praying for all the new believers that they would take courage in times of persecution? We may not know the answers to those questions, but what I do know is that His heartfelt prayer took Him into the wee hours of the morning, “Night fell while He was there alone.” He didn’t meet up with His disciples until three o’clock in the morning (verse 14:25).
Where were the disciples? They were on a boat trying to get to the other side of the lake, verse 14:24 says,
“Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.”
When Jesus was finished praying, He was next seen walking on the water! Could you even imagine? Would you and I be as terrified as the disciples? I think so! When has anyone ever witnessed someone walking across water? Through the swelling of the waves the disciples catch a glimpse of a figure in the middle of that crazy storm, His garments were slapping around, His hair blowing in the wind. And in their terrified state what do they cry out? Verse 14:26,
“It’s a ghost!”
Oh, how I love the response Jesus gives them. Here Jesus just had a very long, grief filled day, and now it was three o’clock in the morning when He shows up on the water and says (verse 14:27),
“Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”
When you and I are battling the winds and waves of life, let’s remember these words of Jesus. He is right there with us, through everything. In our fear, in our dread, in our sickness, in our doubt… Jesus says, “I Am Here.”
So at the beginning of chapter fourteen we have the scene where John the Baptist is beheaded. Jesus hears this distressing news and feeds 5000 people, then after a long day He gets alone to pray, then rescues the disciples in the wee morning hours. In safety they rejoiced and worshiped the Lord. Then a new morning is dawning, Jesus and the disciples were arriving on the other side of the lake, once there, they were met with a steadily growing crowd, begging to be healed.
Verse 14:36b,
“…all who touched Him were healed…”
Wow! What a day! And I can just imagine Jesus stepping off that boat with a grin on His face, compassion once again would fill His entire being and He would heal all those in need.
Would you be one of those in the crowd seeking a healing from the Messiah? Or would you stand on the outskirts and watch with curiosity? What would compel you to walk up to Jesus and touch the fringe of His robe?
Let’s bring this scenario into your own situation… “…all who touch Him are healed…” If Jesus were to stand before you, right there in your room, would you or could you resist flinging your body into His arms? Or would you get up from where you were seated and answer the call to “Come…”
“Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!”
~AMEN~