Matthew - Chapter 14

Matthew 14.1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, Matthew 14.2 And said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him. Matthew 14.3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. Matthew 14.4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. Matthew 14.5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14.6 But when Herod’s birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod. Matthew 14.7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask. Matthew 14.8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. Matthew 14.9 And 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. Matthew 14.10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. Matthew 14.11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14.12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. Matthew 14.13 When 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. Matthew 14.14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. Matthew 14.15 And 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. Matthew 14.16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. Matthew 14.17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. Matthew 14.18 He said, Bring them hither to me. Matthew 14.19 And 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. Matthew 14.20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. Matthew 14.21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. Matthew 14.22 And 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. Matthew 14.23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. Matthew 14.24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. Matthew 14.25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14.26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. Matthew 14.27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. Matthew 14.28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. Matthew 14.29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. Matthew 14.30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. Matthew 14.31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? Matthew 14.32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Matthew 14.33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. Matthew 14.34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14.35 And 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; Matthew 14.36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.

Matthew : Chapter 14

Reflection on Matthew Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of the Gospel of Matthew immerses us in dramatic and revelatory events in Jesus' ministry. Through these accounts, we discover how Jesus manifests both his divine power and his deep compassion toward humanity. This dynamic text evokes the death of John the Baptist, the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, and Jesus walking on water. Together, these accounts highlight Jesus' growing fame as well as Peter's sometimes wavering faith.

The Miracles of Matthew 14

Matthew 14 highlights Jesus' supernatural power over nature. To enrich our understanding of these impressive miracles, let us consider five related biblical passages.

1. Mark 6:30-44

"The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported everything they had done and taught. [...] Taking the five loaves and the two fish, looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples to serve the people. He divided the two fish equally among them all. Everyone ate and was satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve baskets full of broken pieces of bread and fish. Five thousand men ate."

This passage from Mark tells us the same miracle of the feeding of the five thousand as that of Matthew 14:13-21, emphasizing the importance of this event in the Gospels.

2. John 6:16-21

"At dusk, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and began their journey to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet arrived where they were. A strong wind was blowing, and the sea was rough. After they had rowed about five or six kilometers, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea, and they were terrified. But he said to them, 'It is I! Do not be afraid!' Then they prepared to receive him on the boat and soon arrived at the beach where they were heading."

John offers us an additional perspective on the event of Jesus walking on the water, as recorded in Matthew 14:22-33, testifying to the greatness of this miracle.

3. 2 Kings 4:42-44

"A man from Baal-Shalisah brought the man of God twenty barley loaves from the first harvest, along with some ears of new wheat. 'Distribute it among the people so that they may eat,' Elisha said. [...] Then he ordered again, 'Distribute it among the people so that they may eat, for this is what the Lord says: 'They will eat, and some will still remain.'" The food was distributed, and, according to the word of the Lord, everyone ate, and some still remained.

This miracle of Elisha prefigures that of the multiplication of the loaves performed by Jesus in Matthew 14:13-21, illustrating the continuity of God's work throughout the ages.

4. Psalm 107:28-30

"In their distress they cried out to the Lord, and he delivered them. He reduced the storm to a breeze and calmed the waves. They rejoiced when the waves calmed, and God guided them to their desired harbor."

This psalm resonates with the event where Jesus calms the storm and walks on the water in Matthew 14:22-33, reminding us that God is always present in our times of trouble.

5. Exodus 34:3

"No one may climb with you or allow anyone to be seen in any part of the mountain; not even sheep and cattle may graze before the mountain."

This passage about Moses climbing the mountain to meet God relates to Matthew 14:23, where Jesus withdraws to pray alone, emphasizing the importance of prayer and intimacy with the Father.

Meditating on these texts, we are called to recognize and celebrate the mystery of faith that unites us to Jesus, the Son of God, and to draw on His strength and compassion for our own spiritual journey.