SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 14
JOHN THE BAPTIEST BEHEADED (vs. 1-12)
King Herod took Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife as his wife. John told him that it is unlawful to have her. During Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Her mother prompted her to give the head of John the Baptist on a platter. The king was distressed but he had to honor his oath. So he ordered John to be beheaded. John disciples came and took his body and buried it and went back to tell Jesus about it.
JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND (vs. 13-21)
Jesus withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds followed him on foot. When Jesus saw the large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples wanted to send the crowds away but Jesus told them to give them something to eat. Jesus told them to bring the five loaves of bread and two fish. He took them looked up to heaven, gave thanks and broke the loaves. He gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. They all ate and were satisfied with leftovers of 12 basketfuls of broken pieces. The number of those who ate was about 5,000 men excluding women and children.
JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (vs. 22-36)
Jesus dismissed the crowd and made the disciples get into the boat to go to the other side. But he and went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to the disciples who were on the boat experiencing strong winds and waves. As he walked on the lake, the disciples thought it was a ghost.. But Jesus said to them: “Take courage! It is I, Don’t be afraid.” (v. 27). Peter then wanted to come to the water. Jesus said “come”. So, Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink. Then he cried out: “Lord, save me!” (v. 30). Jesus reached out his hand and caught him saying: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they climbed into the board, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat worshiped him acknowledging that He is truly the Son of God. After landed at Gennesaret, the people recognized Jesus and sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed. (vs. 14-36)`
THOUGHTS:
Philip was the half brother of king Herod. His wife Herodias left him to live with king Herod Antipas. John the Baptist condemned the two for living immorally. So during King Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced and pleased Herod. He promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Herodias told her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist. John was beheaded because the king had to honor what he had promised in an oath. Never get into a situation where it will be too embarrassing to do what is right. Do what is right no matter how embarrassing or painful it may be.
Jesus is loving, caring and compassionate. So people followed him to seek healing. As evening approached, the disciples told Jesus to send the crowds away because they did not have enough to feed them. But Jesus multiplied the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed five thousand people excluding women and children with 12 basketfuls of leftovers. What was given to Jesus was insufficient but it become more than enough in his hands. So whatever contribution (talent, time, treasure) you have may be meager, but Jesus can use it to multiply.
Jesus seek solitude by going to a mountain side to pray. Spending time with God in prayers, nurture your relationship with God so that he can equipt you to meet life challenges and struggles. By spending time alone with God, it will help you grow spiritually and become more like Christ.
Peter reacted in faith when he came down from the ship to walk in the sea. However, when his eyes took off Jesus and focused on the high waves, he began to sink. We may walk through difficult situations. Instead of focusing of the waves of difficult circumstances around us, focus on Jesus with the power of of faith.
During times of danger, Peter cried out to Jesus saying: “Lord save me.” When troubles surround you, remember that God is always with you. Reach out to him because He is the only one who can help you.
The people recognized Jesus as a great healer. They came to seek physical healing and prolong their lives on earth. But we have body and soul. We should seek him not only to heal our physical body but also to grow our spiritual life.