45 Days To Read The Gospel Challenge – The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 14: Jesus Walks on Water and Feeds the Multitude

 

Overview of The Gospel of Matthew

The Gospel of Matthew was written by the apostle Matthew, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Matthew was a former tax collector, called by Jesus to follow Him. His Gospel is believed to have been written between 50-70 AD, and it is the first book in the New Testament, even though it may not have been the first Gospel written. Matthew’s account emphasizes that Jesus is the promised Messiah and King, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies.

Matthew’s Gospel begins with a genealogy that traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and King David, highlighting Jesus’ royal and Jewish heritage. It then moves into the story of Jesus’ miraculous birth, His baptism by John the Baptist, and the start of His ministry.

Mary and her husband Joseph were both from the lineage of King David.  Matthew 1:17  “So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.”  Matthew tells of a prophetic word that told of Jesus’ birth.  

Matthew 1:23  “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”  It is interesting to note that Joseph wanted to divorce Mary quietly because of her pregnancy.  But an angel came to him and verified that Mary was pregnant by the Holy Ghost.  Therefore, Joseph stayed married to Mary and did not consummate the marriage until Jesus Christ was born. 

Note: Jesus Christ is a name translated in the English versions. It is accepted by God. For this purpose these studies are on the English speaking version.   Philippians 2:9 KJV  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name:”  There are many names people call Jesus but it is only one name to be saved by. If you mispronounce other names (thinking that is the original name) then you are not calling on the Lord. 

It is known that what we pronounce today is not the way it was pronounced then.  Develop a personal relationship with the Lord and you will know he answers to the name name  Jesus Christ (the blood sacrifice).  He is the God of the living.  Psalms 100:3 KJV ³ Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture.

The Gospel of Matthew is known for including many of Jesus’ key teachings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about love, humility, prayer, and the Kingdom of God. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus performs miracles, heals the sick, and casts out demons, showing His divine authority.

Matthew also places a strong emphasis on Jesus’ role as a teacher and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. He frequently references the Scriptures to show how Jesus’ life and mission align with what was foretold about the Messiah. The Gospel also includes Jesus’ parables, teachings on discipleship, and warnings about the final judgment.

The story of Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection is the heart of the Gospel. Matthew ends with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, spreading the message of salvation.

In summary, the Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s promises, and the King of all nations, whose life, death, and resurrection bring salvation to the world.

Note From Editor: The name “Jesus Christ” is an English translation, and it is accepted by God. Philippians 2:9 KJV  says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.” People call Jesus by many praise names, but only one name is called upon for salvation by English speaking people and that is Jesus Christ. If you mispronounce other names thinking they are the original, you might not be calling on the Lord.

Language has changed over time, but when you have a personal relationship with Jesus, you will know that the name  Jesus Christ, the Savior is accepted by God.  The Holy spirit bears witness. Jesus gave His life for us.  Psalm 100:3 reminds us, “Know ye that the Lord, He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.”  

 

OVERVIEW OF  THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW CHAPTER  FOURTEEN 

The Gospel of Matthew Chapter 14  explains the importance of faith as well as Herod’s opinion of Jesus:   Jesus’s gave provisions by feeding 5000 people; Jesus walks on water and allows Peter to do also, demonstrating the power of faith;  Many are healed by grace and power as they each touched Jesus’ garment. 

Herod Antipas’ opinion of Jesus: At that time Herod Antipas, the tetrarch ( 4th son of Herod the Great) heard of the fame of Jesus, Matthew 14:2 ²And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him. 

Note: “Herod Antipas is the same man who had previously ordered the death of John the Baptist.  Later, Herod questioned Jesus about the accusations of the chief priests and the scribes.  He gave Jesus over to Pilate, Roman Emperor, to be executed”. (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_at_Herod%27s_court)

John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod Antipas.  Herod’s wife’s daughter danced for him and he told her that whatever she wanted, up to half his kingdom, she could have.  She asked her mother what she should ask for and her mother said, the “Head of John the Baptist”, the prophet. John the Baptist was already in jail because he objected to Herod’s marriage as he married his brother’s wife.  Herod granted the request. 

The grace of Jesus’s provisions: Jesus feeds 5000.  Matthew 14: 14-KJV ¹⁴And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.  The evening came and the people needed food. Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish, prayed over the food, and passed the food out in baskets. when everyone ate, the disciples took up 12 baskets of leftover food.  Note: Jesus demonstrated his grace to provide our daily bread.  

The power of faith: Jesus walks on the sea.  After Jesus prayed, he caught up with the disciples who were on a boat. They saw Jesus coming, he was walking on water and the wind was blowing hard.  Matthew 14:  28- 33 KJV  ²⁸And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  ²⁹And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 

³⁰But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. ³¹And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, why did thou doubt? ³²And when they came into the ship, the wind ceased. ³³Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

Note: Jesus demonstrated to Peter that if his faith is strong enough he can walk on water.  Therefore, when we come to Jesus in prayer, believe that our request is heard and answered and it will be.   Some people called this manifesting but it is faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and the completed work on the cross.  Be careful about speaking things into existence because Satan can answer your request as well and you will be in agreement with him. If we do not ask God for it, in Jesus Christ’s name, it is witchcraft.  

The healing grace of Jesus:  People are healed by touching Jesus’ garment.  Matthew 14: 35KJV  ³⁵And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; ³⁶And sought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. 

Note: God is powerful and by his spirit and his will, we are healed.  Even if it is with the physical help of the right doctor, nurse, and medicine or hospital,  God works through them and enables them to come with the correct diagnosis, skills, and medicine to heal. 

In conclusion, Jesus is Lord, and by his spirit and his will, you are healed and provided for according to your faith.

 

 

Time: 35 minutes to complete lesson: 20 minutes to read the entire post and take the interactive quiz, additional 15 minutes to view video resource and comment on social media.

 

Objectives for  Chapter 14 -The Gospel of Matthew.  What you will learn:

A. Understand Herod’s perception of Jesus and the reasons behind his opinion.

B. Learn why John the Baptist was beheaded and the events that led to his execution.

C. Discover the grace and compassion of Jesus through the miracle of feeding 5,000 people.

D, Explore the power of faith as demonstrated when Jesus walks on water.

E. Understand the healing grace of Jesus, as seen when people were healed by touching His garment.

 

 

Outline for Chapter 14 of the Gospel of  Matthew 

  1. Herod’s opinion of Jesus.

  2. John the Baptist was beheaded.

  3. Jesus feeds five thousand men with five loaves and two fishes.

  4. Jesus walks on the sea.

  5. As many as touch the hem of Jesus’ garment are healed.

 

Reflection and Discussion: Something to think about.

God gives us the ability to remember things we’ve forgotten, gain new skills, grow in wisdom, and receive guidance. Whenever I face a challenging phone call or need help finding the right company for something, I always pray about it first. It gives me confidence that the situation will be handled smoothly and that I’ll speak with someone who is helpful and understanding.

I’m sure you’ve experienced something similar. Can you recall a time when you were frustrated trying to solve a problem, but after stopping to pray, you were led to someone who could help or remembered a person or company you had forgotten about that could assist you?

 

Resources For This Lesson

Click here for the King James Bible version in the text (pdf), mobile viewing on the web (KJV), YouTube audio, and video (total time 6 min.)  Part One, and Part Two.  

 

See “Chapter 14 Highlights” below for scriptures and help with the quiz. If needed, refresh the screen to retake the quiz.

 

Objectives for  Chapter 14 -The Gospel of Matthew.  What you will learn:

1. You will learn Herod’s opinion of Jesus.  Matthew 14: 1-2 KJV

¹At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

²And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do show forth themselves in him.

 

2. You will learn why John the Baptist was beheaded.  Matthew 14: 3-13 KJV

 ³For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.

 ⁴For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. 

⁵And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

 ⁶But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.

⁷Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. 

⁸And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger.

 ⁹And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath’s sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. 

¹⁰And he sent and beheaded John in the prison.

¹¹And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. 

¹²And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 

¹³When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.  

 

 

3. You will learn the grace of Jesus’s provisions: Jesus feeds 5000.   Matthew 14: 14-21  KJV

¹⁴And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 

¹⁵And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.

 ¹⁶But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat.

 ¹⁷And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 

¹⁸He said, Bring them hither to me. 

¹⁹And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples and the disciples to the multitude.  ²⁰And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 

²¹And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 

 

 

  4. You will learn the power of faith: Jesus walks on the sea.  Matthew 14: 22-33 KJV

²²And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

 ²³And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening came, he was there alone.

²⁴But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 

²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 

²⁶And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit, and they cried out for fear.

²⁷But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 

²⁸And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it is thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.  

²⁹And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 

³⁰But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 

³¹And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 

³²And when they came into the ship, the wind ceased.

³³Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 

³⁴And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

 

 

5. You will learn the healing grace of Jesus:  People are healed by touching Jesus’ garment.  Matthew 14:34-36 KJV

³⁴And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 

³⁵And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 

³⁶And sought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

 

 

Interactive Quiz

 

 

 

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Call to salvation:

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 10:9-10  9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. 

John 3:5-6  5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.