Provision and Power: Two Miracles That Show Who Jesus Is (Matthew 14:13-36)
Life can bring hunger, storms, and sickness—all things that leave us feeling helpless. In Matthew 14:13–36, we see Jesus meet people exactly where they are: hungry, afraid, and in need of healing. Two miracles stand out in this passage—feeding a massive crowd and walking on water—and both reveal His heart of compassion and His power over every situation.
Jesus Feeds Over 5,000 People
After hearing about the death of John the Baptist, Jesus withdraws by boat to a quiet place. But the crowds—tens of thousands—follow Him on foot. When He lands, He sees them and feels deep compassion.
The disciples worry there’s no food for so many. They suggest sending the people away to buy something to eat. Instead, Jesus tells them, “You give them something to eat.”
All they have is five small loaves of bread and two fish. But Jesus blesses this tiny meal, and it multiplies until everyone is full. There are even twelve baskets of leftovers.
What this teaches us:
No gift is too small for Jesus to use. When we offer what we have—even if it feels inadequate—He can multiply it in ways we never imagined.
Jesus Walks on Water
Later that evening, Jesus sends His disciples ahead by boat while He goes up a mountainside to pray alone. During the night, a fierce storm rises on the lake. The disciples fight wind and waves for hours.
Just before dawn, Jesus comes to them—walking on the water. They’re terrified, thinking they’ve seen a ghost. But Jesus calls out, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Peter, eager and bold, asks to walk on the water too. Jesus invites him, and for a moment Peter walks on the sea. But when he notices the wind, fear takes over and he begins to sink. Jesus immediately reaches out, grabs his hand, and brings him safely back to the boat. Then He calms the storm with a simple command.
What this teaches us:
When we’re in the middle of life’s storms, Jesus doesn’t stay distant. He comes to us. And if we step out in faith—even imperfect faith—He’s right there to catch us when we start to sink.
Healing at Gennesaret
When the boat finally reaches the shore at Gennesaret, people recognize Jesus. They carry their sick on mats and bring them to Him. Even his cloak becomes a source of healing—wherever it touches, people are made well.
What this teaches us:
Jesus’ presence brings hope and healing. He meets both our physical and emotional needs. Sometimes, simply reaching out in faith is enough for His power to flow.
Final Thoughts
In just one chapter, we see Jesus:
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Feed the hungry with far more than enough.
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Walk through storms to reach us and invite us to join Him.
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Heal the hurting with tender compassion.
Whether we face emptiness, fear, or illness, these stories remind us that Jesus provides, protects, and heals. No situation is too big or too small. We can bring our little loaves, our trembling steps, and our deepest needs to Him—and watch Him work.
Reflection Question:
What “small gift” can you offer to Jesus today, trusting Him to multiply it? How can you step out in faith, even in the middle of your own storms?
Matthew 14:13-36 (WEB)
14:13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”16 But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”17 They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”18 He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 They all ate and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, in addition to women and children.22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”28 Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”29 He said, “Come!”Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region and brought to him all who were sick; 36 and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.