The Way - Day 246 (Matthew 14)

Pastor Tom's Journal on Today's Reading:
Matthew 14:1-12
Herod, ruler of Galilee, catches wind about all the things Jesus has been doing and thinks John the Baptist (who was already dead) is risen. Matthew then recounts the horrific death of John the Baptist. Apparently Herod had put John in prison at the request of Herodias, who was his brother Philip's wife. John had spoken up against an incestuous relationship which Herodias was involved in with Herod, which was a violation of Leviticus 18:16. John was a man who was not afraid to stand up for truth and did not fear what other people would think of him. Ultimately, John was imprisoned for his stance (14:4-5). The situation compounds when Herod's birthday roles around and he promises his daughter he would give her whatever she wanted (14:7). Having been prompted by her mother, Herodias, the daughter asks for John the Baptist's head on a platter (14:8). Herod follows through with his promise and has John beheaded in prison (14:9-11). Standing up for the truth can cost us. I'm not saying that everyone who upholds the truth will be beheaded, but it does have consequences. In our society, telling the truth or standing against sin can cost friendships, popularity, as well as many other results. How willing are you to stand for the truth? Would you confront someone if they were in the wrong? Would you keep quiet about something you know was sin?

Matthew 14:13-21
In these verses we find an amazing account of one of Jesus' greatest miracles. I don't believe this miracle is great because of what He did, but why He did it. Jesus receives news of the John the Baptist's death so in response He departs by boat to be by Himself (14:13); however, the multitude of people (which seemed to follow Jesus) found out where Jesus had retreated and followed Him on foot. These people were obviously curious about Jesus' ministry and were willing to travel great distances to see Him. As Jesus is in this deserted place, the crowds of people catch up with Him and although Jesus is broken about John's death, He looks out across the thousands of people and is moved with compassion (14:14). Each of the four gospels recounts this story and Mark points out that Jesus was moved with compassion because the people looked like sheep without a shepherd (Mark 6:34). The main reason Jesus is moved with compassion is because the crowds of people appeared lost, broken, desperate, and in need of spiritual guidance. Jesus responds by healing the sick who were within the crowd and as it approached evening the disciples asked Jesus to send away the people so they could buy food (14:15). The people had been there all day and were extremely hungry, but no one appeared to care because they were enthralled with Jesus. Jesus commanded the disciples to get the people something to eat to which they responded that there was not enough food to go around (14:16-17). The five loaves of bread and two fishes were brought to Jesus. He blessed the food and the disciples began taking the food from Jesus to give to the multitudes (14:19). After it was said and done, 5000 men had been fed (thousands more when you consider the women and children) and there were twelve baskets of fragments left over (14:20). Jesus had miraculously multiplied the small amount of food and everyone ate. The point of the story is not necessarily the multiplication of the food, but the compassion which drove Jesus to respond to a need. Do you know someone with a need? Have you responded to that need? As Jesus was moved with compassion by the needs of the people, may we also take action to meet the needs of others.

Matthew 14:22-36
Three of the four gospels mention this account of Jesus walking on the water (Mark 6:45-52; John 6:14-21) while the disciples struggled in the boat with the storm raging around them. I believe that each gospel brings out a unique perspective of the event, so I would recommend reading every account. However, I will mainly focus on Matthew's writing. After Jesus feeds all the people (and heals many of them), He sends the disciples away into the boat while He departs to the mountain to pray (14:22-23). Verse 24 states that after a period of time Jesus was still alone praying while the disciples were facing a massive storm at sea, but He decides to head out to sea. Obviously Jesus did not use typical methodology when going to save the disciples at sea. Most people would have called for help or grabbed a boat themselves to try to rescue the endangered disciples, but Jesus was God possessing full control over nature. So Jesus takes a walk onto the water and comes into full view of the disciples, who freak out! Instead of recognizing Jesus as all-powerful, they believed the only one who had this kind of power was a ghost (14:25-26). Go figure...after witnessing Jesus' power to heal and perform miracles they didn't even suspect that this figure walking on water could be Jesus. Before we are quick to criticize the disciples for their lack of faith, I believe we've read the Bible and know what God is capable of, yet we fail to believe Him. Jesus immediately calms their fears by speaking to them (14:27) and I believe we can also relate to this...whenever you became frightened as a young child, there is nothing more soothing than to hear the voice of your dad. This is probably how Jesus' words sounded to them - they brought comfort. Peter speaks up and wants to walk on water to be with his master (rabbi) so Jesus calls him out of the boat (14:28-29). I can't help but making the application here that Peter felt more secure with Jesus (who was walking on water) than staying in the boat (where it was stable). Even though Peter loses faith while walking to Jesus, he still recognizes that he was more safe with Jesus (14:30-32). Again, I can't fault Peter with fear because I can relate with him. I find myself knowing that things are more safe with Jesus, but I fear what is in between the walk from where I am to where He is.

Dear God, I'm scared of what life may bring, but help me know that in You is a strong foundation and a refuge. Keep me safe in your arms.