Study notes

Matthew 14

Introducing MatthewWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

13:53–14:12 Section

People in Jesus’ hometown didn’t understand how Jesus had so much wisdom. They didn’t understand how he had power to do miracles. They were angry about Jesus and refused to believe that he came from God.

At the same time, Jewish and Roman leaders were angry at John the Baptist. John had spoken against Herod Antipas for being unfaithful to the Mount Sinai covenant. Herod put John in prison and later had John’s head cut off.

Both John and Jesus were treated without honour or respect for sharing God’s message.

14:1

Herod Antipas’s official title was tetrarch, which means a ruler of a fourth part of a kingdom. He ruled Galilee and Perea from 4 BC to AD 39 (see Matthew 2:19–22). Jesus called Antipas “that fox” (Luke 13:32). John the Baptist rightly condemned him for adultery (Matthew 14:3–12; Luke 3:19–20).

14:2

People were saying that John had been resurrected from the dead (see 16:14).

14:3–12

John the Baptist’s message drew large crowds, which leaders saw as a political threat (see Josephus, Antiquities 18.5.2). Years after John was executed, many Jews believed that Herod’s military defeat by King Aretas in AD 36 was God’s judgment for killing an innocent man.

14:6

Herodias's daughter was probably Salome. She would have come from Herodias' earlier marriage to Philip. Such sexually suggestive dances were common among corrupt royalty.

14:7

Herod Antipas often made extravagant and foolish promises.

14:8

In ancient times, presenting a head on a tray was a known practice (see Josephus, Antiquities 13.4.8; 14.15.13; 18.5.1; 20.5.1).

14:13–21 Section

When Jesus heard about John the Baptist’s death, he wanted to be alone. But the crowds found him and surrounded him.

Jesus cared deeply for the people. He healed those who were ill. Then he fed them. He did this by using the small amount of food that the disciples had.

The disciples had only five loaves and two fish to offer. Jesus made it enough to feed over 5,000 people. This was the first of two miracles about feeding people recorded by Matthew.

It showed something about God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom grows when God’s people are willing to freely give what they have. It doesn’t matter how small the gift is.

14:21

About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children: At that time, they counted families by the heads of households, not each person.

14:22

After Jesus miraculously fed the crowd, they wanted to make him king (John 6:15). He withdrew from the crowd because it was not the right time.

14:22–36 Section

Jesus sent the crowd and his disciples away so that he could be alone. He wanted to pray.

When Jesus walked on the water the disciples saw his authority over nature. This scared them. Jesus spoke comforting words to them.

Peter had faith to follow Jesus on the water at first. When Peter became scared, Jesus saved him from sinking.

Then Jesus continued to show his authority over nature and illness as he healed people. His power is so strong that people were healed even by touching his clothes.

14:25

  • During the fourth watch of the night: This was between 3:00 and 6:00 am by Roman timekeeping.

  • Jesus went out … walking on the sea: This act showed God’s rule over the stormy sea (see Job 9:8; Psalm 77:19; Isaiah 43:16).

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources