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Matthew 14

36 verses

TL;DR

Matthew 14 recounts the death of John the Baptist, Jesus’ compassion for a large crowd, His feeding of five thousand, His walking on water, and the healing of the sick in Gennesaret.

Summary

Herod Antipas’s court learns of Jesus’s fame, leading to John the Baptist’s execution after a dramatic dance by Salome. Jesus, upon hearing of the event, retreats to a solitary place, but the crowd follows, and He demonstrates compassion by healing the sick and feeding five thousand with five loaves and two fishes. The miracle shows God’s provision and the disciples’ faith. Later, Jesus walks on the sea, calming the disciples and revealing His divine authority. He then brings the group to Gennesaret, where many are healed, and the witnesses worship Him as the Son of God.

Outline
  1. Death of John the Baptist and its political/religious fallout
  2. Jesus’ compassion, miracles, and walking on the sea
  3. Healing and worship in Gennesaret
Themes
Compassion and service to the crowdFaith and trust in JesusGod’s provision and authority
Keywords
compassionfaithmiraclehungerdisciplescrowdJesusJohn the BaptistHerodSalomePeterwindsea
People
Herod AntipasHerodiasPhilipJohn the BaptistJesusSalomePeterdisciplesthe crowdthe Gennesaret men
Places
Herod’s palacedesert placemountainseaGennesaret
Things
five loavestwo fishesJohn the Baptist’s headchargershipcrowdwindwaterfaith
Key Verses
  • Matthew 14:15: Jesus declares the miracle of feeding the five thousand.
  • Matthew 14:29: Peter walks on water, illustrating faith and doubt.
  • Matthew 14:34: The witnesses worship Jesus as the Son of God.
Questions
  • How does Jesus address the disciples’ fear after walking on the sea?
  • What does Peter’s experience teach about the relationship between faith and doubt?
  • In what ways does the feeding of the five thousand demonstrate God’s provision?
  • Why does the crowd continue to follow Jesus despite the lack of material food?
  • How does the healing in Gennesaret reinforce Jesus’ identity as the Son of God?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains compassionate acts and miraculous wonders, balanced with moments of fear, doubt, and political intrigue.