[:en]SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 14
“Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Bring them here to me,” he said. (Matthew 14:16-18)
“They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.” (Matthew 14:20-21)
“But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.” (Matthew 14:27-29)
“Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)
JOHN THE BAPTIST BEHEADED (vs. 1-12)
John Baptist had been arrested and imprisoned because John had told Herod that it is unlawful for him to take Herdias, his brother’s wife as his wife, Herod wanted to kill John. But he feared the people because they considered John as a prophet.
During Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him. Herod, the Tetrarch (ruler over a fourth of the kingdom) had promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. Her daughter prompted her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. His request was granted and Joh’s head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. John disciples took His body and buried it.
JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND(VS. 13-21)
Upon hearing what had happened, Jesus withdrew himself by boat to a solitary place. But the crowd followed him. Jesus had compassion on them and healed their sick.
When evening came, the disciples told Jesus to send the people away to find their own food. But Jesus told them: “You give them something to eat” (v. 16). The disciples answered:” “we have only 5 loaves and 2 fish,”. Jesus told them to bring it to him. TAking the 5 loaves and 2 fish, he look up to heave, gave thanks, broke the loaves, gave to the disciples and told the disciples to distribute them to the people. All the 5,000 ate and were satisfied with 12 basket of leftovers.
JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (vs. 26-36)
Jesus dismissed the crowd and told his disciples to take a boat ahead of him. Then he went up on a mountain by himself to pray. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out and walked on the lake. The disciples saw a man walking on the lake and thought that it was a ghost. But Jesus said: “Take courage, it is I, Don’t be afraid” (v. 27) Peter wanted to meet Jesus, so Jesus told him to come. Peter got down and walked on the water. But when he look around, he was beginning to sink. So, he cried out: “Lord, save me”. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him. He said to him: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (vs. 31). The wind subsided and they reached the place. Those who were in the boat worshipped him saying: “Truly, you are the Son of God” (v. 33). When they landed at Gennesaret, people brought their sick to him. Those who touched his cloak were healed.
APPPLICATION;
When you are faithfully preaching God’s truth, expect persecution. The world is unfriendly to Christian. The world has rejected Christ and will also reject His messenger.
When Jesus fed the Five Thousand, take note of 7 action words:
- Bring the bread and fish – Bring your needs to Him
- Take the bread and fish – Commit everything to the Lord
- Look up to heaven – Pray and ask
- Give thanks. -Believe with gratitude
- Break the bread – Submit to his will
- Give to the disciples – Take it
- Distribute to people – Share your blessings to others.
Jesus was on the mountain praying while the disciples were batting the storm on the lake. Today, Jesus is in heaven interceding for us while we are fighting the storms of this earth.
Peter was able to walk on the water because he had faith in Christ Word “Come”. But when he started to look around, he began to sink. To overcome the storm, we must keep our focus on Jesus. Remember, doubt and fear go together while faith and peace go together. So be a “great faith” christian, not “little faith christian.[:]