*Matthew 14:13-36
Jesus compassionately heals the sick in a crowd, then miraculously feeds them all with just five loaves and two fish.
- Feeding of the Five Thousand
- Jesus withdraws to a solitary place after hearing about John the Baptist’s death.
- Crowds follow him on foot, and Jesus is moved with compassion for them.
- He heals their sick and teaches them throughout the day.
- As evening approaches, the disciples suggest sending the crowds away to nearby villages for food.
- Jesus instructs the disciples to feed the people, but they doubt due to lack of resources.
- A young boy offers five loaves of bread and two fish.
- Jesus blesses the food, breaks it, and feeds the multitude, with 5,000 men plus women and children eating their fill.
- Twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.
- Walking on Water
- After dismissing the crowd, Jesus compels the disciples to go ahead in a boat while he goes up the mountainside to pray.
- As night falls, the boat is battered by waves and wind, far from land.
- Jesus walks on the water towards the disciples, who are terrified, thinking he is a ghost.
- He reassures them, and Peter asks to come to him on the water.
- Peter walks briefly on the water but begins to sink due to fear.
- Jesus reaches out and catches him, rebuking his lack of faith.
- As they enter the boat, the wind ceases, and the disciples worship Jesus, acknowledging him as the Son of God.
- Healing at Gennesaret
- The boat reaches the shore at Gennesaret, and the people recognize Jesus, bringing their sick to him.
- They beg to touch even the edge of his cloak, believing it will heal them.
- Everyone who touches him is healed, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.
Matthew 14:13-36 teaches us to trust Jesus, even when life feels overwhelming. When thousands of people needed food, Jesus took what little was available and made it more than enough. Later, when Peter walked on water, he started sinking when he took his eyes off Jesus. These moments remind us that God can provide for our needs and that we should keep our focus on Him, especially in difficult times. When we feel afraid or uncertain, we can trust that Jesus is with us, ready to help us if we reach out to Him.
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.