Mateus 14
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
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MacArthur comments "Because of haunting guilt for having murdered John, Herod was afraid he had come back from the dead to seek revenge." (See Matthew Commentary) John
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MacArthur on Machaerus - The palace was located on a mountain higher even than the city of Jerusalem and offered a beautiful and dramatic view. But the dungeon was dug deep into the earth beneath, and archaeologists have discovered the many places where prisoners were chained to the walls. There was no natural light and only dank, foul air to breathe. Here John the Baptist was incarcerated for about a year until his execution. (See Matthew Commentary) Question: Who was Herodias in the Bible? Answer: Herodias in the Bible is notorious for being the woman who desired John the Baptist’s head on a platter. She was the unlawful wife of the tetrarch Herod Antipas and had formerly been the wife of Herod’s brother, Philip. As the granddaughter of Herod the Great, Herodias was herself a niece to both of her husbands, Philip and Antipas. Herodias is the feminine form of Herod, which functions somewhat as a title for members of the Herodian dynasty. Historians indicate that Herod Antipas and Herodias had an affair of sorts while her husband Philip was visiting Rome. Herodias then agreed to leave her husband in order to become Herod Antipas’s wife. Whether it was motivated by lust or was simply a power play, the new marriage was not honorable, and John the Baptist publicly denounced their adultery (Matthew 14:4). Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted him to be executed (Mark 6:19). Herod put John in prison for Herodias’s sake (Matthew 14:3) but did not put him to death in part because he was afraid of the people, who believed John was a prophet (Matthew 14:5). Herod also seemed to believe that John was a righteous man and, though “greatly puzzled” by the things John said, “liked to listen to him” (Mark 6:20). (ADDED NOTE FROM JOHN MACARTHUR - The tetrarch had taken Herodias as his own wife after seducing her away from his half brother Philip while on a visit to Rome. In order to marry her, he had to divorce his present wife, the daughter of king Aretas, with whom the marriage of his daughter had sealed a political and military alliance. Aretas ruled Nabatean Arabia, whose capital was the famed fortress city of Petra, located about fifty miles southeast of the Dead Sea. Aretas was so angered by the treatment of his daughter that he destroyed most of Herod’s army and would have slain the tetrarch as well, had not the Roman army intervened.) (See Matthew Commentary) “Finally the opportune time came” (Mark 6:21) for Herodias to exact her revenge on John. During Herod’s birthday celebration, Herodias’s daughter danced for the king and his guests, pleasing Herod so much that he promised the girl whatever she asked (Matthew 14:6–7). After consulting with her mother, the girl asked for John the Baptist’s head on a platter (Matthew 14:8). Herod was sorry and distressed over being put in this quandary, but, because of his vow and the guests, Herod had John beheaded in prison (verse 10). The prophet’s head was brought to the daughter of Herodias, who gave it to her mother (verse 11). The Bible does not tell us much about Herodias, but her actions recorded in the Gospels show her to be an immoral, bitter, and manipulative woman. John the Baptist was right to warn the tetrarch and his wife of their wicked ways, and Herodias had plenty of opportunity to repent. Rather than choose the path of life, Herodias hardened her heart and plotted John’s execution—as if silencing the truth-teller could remove her guilt. In this way, Herodias became like Jezebel, who stridently opposed Elijah, in whose power and spirit John had come (see Luke 1:17; 1 Kings 19:2).(Source: GotQuestions.org) Related Resources: Herodias - all the women of the Bible Who was Herodias in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why was John the Baptist beheaded? | GotQuestions.org Who was Herod Antipas? | GotQuestions.org Who was Salome in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Are there beheadings recorded in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Matthew 14:1-13 Fear That Forfeits Christ - MacArthur Matthew 14:4 For John had been saying to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." Lev 18:16 20:21 De 25:5,6 2Sa 12:7 1Ki 21:19 2Ch 26:18,19 Pr 28:1 Isa 8:20 Mk 6:18 Ac 24:24,25 Related Passages: Mark 6:18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Leviticus 18:16 ‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness. Leviticus 20:21 ‘If there is a man who takes his brother’s wife, it is abhorrent; he has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They will be childless. For John had been saying to him - Had been saying is in the imperfect tense, again and again. John's rebuke was not "one and done!" The imperfect tense indicates John rebuked the king and his wife on more than one occasion! France calls it John's "continuing campaign." He had no fear of death, for surely he knew this confrontation could easily be his death warrant! But John was filled with the Spirit and the result was a "holy boldness." John Broadus - John stood before him, apparently several times, "in the spirit and power of Elijah" before Ahab (compare on Matthew 3:4). Indeed, Herod and Herodias strikingly resemble Ahab and Jezebel (See What is the story of Ahab and Jezebel? | GotQuestions.org) In his early preaching John had been equally bold, rebuking the Pharisees and Sadducees, (Matthew 3:7) as fearlessly as the masses. And now he reproves Herod, not merely for the marriage, but for all his other acts of wrong-doing. (Luke 3:19) Every great reformer sometimes finds it necessary to be very bold and outspoken. So Luther at the Diet of Worms, and Knox before Mary Stuart; and he who was "meek and lowly" to the toiling and burdened, was stern and severe towards the hypocritical Scribes and Pharisees even when he knew they were plotting to kill him, and would eventually succeed. (Commentary) It is not lawful for you to have her." - In short this was an entangled incestuous web! Literally "it is not permissible; thou art not at liberty." The law required the marriage of a deceased and childless brother's wife, but here the brother was still living and had a daughter.
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MacArthur comments that "It is obvious that the provocative dance was planned by Herodias for the purpose of evoking just such a promise from her drunken, leering, lecherous husband. And lest Herod change his mind after sobering up, Herodias told her daughter to ask for John’s head here on a platter “ right away ” ( Mark 6:25 ). In his gluttonous, lustful stupor the king had been easily taken in by his scheming wife and her seductive daughter. He had lost all dignity, all sensibility, and what little desire for the right that he may have had. Wanting to appear the magnanimous benefactor before his guests, he had boxed himself in and was now completely vulnerable to his conniving wife." (See Matthew Commentary) R C H Lenski Matthew "describes tersely what Mark 6:24 spreads out in detail: the girl running to her mother, getting the instigation from her, and then coming quickly to make her request. She never hesitated because of the crime involved and because of the gruesomeness of such a gory gift." She said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist" - Mark 6:25 adds "immediately (euthus) she came in a hurry." and issued a command to the pseudo-king = Give me, where this verb in the aorist imperative a command calling for an immediate response from Herod! This shocking request would have undoubtedly caught Herod by surprise. R C H Lenski on "here" (cf Mk 6:25 "at once") - The force of hode, “right here,” is significant; here where all the company may see in the delivery of the gift that Herod kept his promise and oath. The same viciousness is manifested in the request for “the head.” Herodias wants the head, the absolute evidence of John’s death, and no mere promise of John’s death at some future day.
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MacArthur - It was not that the word of the king was respected and that to break his oaths would tarnish his reputation, because he was noted for his dishonor and duplicity. But in the ancient Near East a promise made with an oath was considered sacred and inviolable ( cf. Matt. 5:33 ), especially when made by a ruler. And although Herod had no concern for principle, he had great concern for appearance. By breaking his word so soon after giving it, he would have been embarrassed in front of his dinner guests. (See Matthew Commentary)
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MacArthur has an interesting statement that "In each gospel account this miracle is placed at the climax of the Lord’s ministry." (See The MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Robertson's note from Harmony of the Gospels - THE SPECIAL TRAINING OF THE TWELVE IN DISTRICTS AROUND GALILEE Probably Passover in A.D. 29 to near Tabernacles in A.D. 29 or a year earlier (six months from spring to autumn). Just a year from the beginning of this Period till the Crucifixion. Emphasis now on the King of the Kingdom (the Person of the Messiah). Four separate withdrawals from Galilee are given, Mt 14:31-21, Mk 6:30-44, Lk 9:10-17, Jn 6:1-13 Mt 15:21-28,Mark 7:24–30 Matthew 15:29–38, Mark 7:31–8:9 Matthew 16:5–12, Mark 8:13–26 Notice that in every case he keeps out of Herod’s territory, and in every case he goes to the mountains. THE FIRST RETIREMENT. THE TWELVE RETURN, JESUS RETIRES WITH THEM BEYOND THE LAKE TO REST. FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND THE FEEDING OF FIVE THOUSAND PLUS NOTE: Words in BOLD FONT are unique to that Gospel's account. GOSPEL Matthew 14:12–24 Mark 6:30–46 Luke 9:10–17 John 6:1–14 THE SETTING TWO REPORTS His disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus. - Mt 14:12+ The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught.- Mk 6:30+ When the apostles returned, they gave an account to Him of all that they had done. Lk 9:10a+ After these things Jn 6:1a+ WITHDRAWAL TO REST Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself - Mt 14:13a+ He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.- Mk 6:31,32+ Taking them with Him, He withdrew by Himself to a city called Bethsaida Lk 9:10b+ Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). Jn 6:1b+ REST "ARRESTED" When the people heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities - Mt 14:13b+ The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them. Mk 6:33+ But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; Lk 9:11a+ A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick. . Jn 6:2a+ LARGE CROWD When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd- Mt 14:14a+ When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd Mk 6:34a+ Then Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat down with His disciples. Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him Jn 6:3-5+ COMPASSION He felt compassion for them and healed their sick - Mt 14:14b+ He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. Mk 6:34b+ Welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing. Lk 9:11b+ THE TIME WAS LATE When it was evening...the hour is already late, Mt 14:15a+ When it was already quite late...already quite late Mk 6:35a+ Now the day was ending Lk 9:12a+ SEND THEM AWAY The disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate...so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”.- Mt 14:15b+ His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate...send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”" Mk 6:35b-36+ The twelve came and said to Him, “Send the crowd away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside and find lodging and get something to eat; for here we are in a desolate place.” Lk 9:12b+ THE TEST (FAITH NOT SIGHT) Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” Mt 14:16+ He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” Mk 6:37+ He said to them, “You give them something to eat!” - Lk 9:13a+ Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” This He was saying to test him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do. Jn 6:5b-6+ THEIR SOLUTION (SIGHT NOT FAITH) They said to Him, “Shall we go and spend 200 denarii on bread and give them something to eat?” Mk 6:37b+ Unless perhaps we go and buy food for all these people.” Lk 9:13c+ Philip answered Him, “200 denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, for everyone to receive a little.” Jn 6:7+ (cf Jn 6:9b+) WHEN LITTLE IS ENOUGH They said to Him, “We have here only 5 loaves and 2 fish.”Mt 14:17+ He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Mt 14:18+ He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go look!” And when they found out, they said, “5 and 2 fish.” Mk 6:38+ They said, “We have no more than 5 loaves and 2 fish Lk 9:13b+ One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has 5 barley loaves and 2 fish, but what are these for so many people?” Jn 6:8-9+ JESUS SEATS THE GUESTS Ordering the people to sit down on the grass Mt 14:19a+ He commanded them all to sit down by groups on the green grass. They sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Mk 6:39-40+ He said to His disciples, “Have them sit down to eat in groups of about fifty each. - Lk 9:14b+ They did so, and had them all sit down. - Lk 9:15+ Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. Jn 6:10a+ JESUS GIVES THANKS He took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food Mt 14:19b+ He took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food Mk 6:41a+ He took the 5 loaves and the 2 fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them Lk 9:16a+ Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, Jn 6:11a+ NOURISHMENT Breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds, - Mt 14:19c+ He broke the loaves and He kept giving them to the disciples to set before them; and He divided up the two fish among them all. Mk 6:41b+ He broke them, and kept giving them to the disciples to set before the people. Lk 9:16b+ He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. Jn 6:11b+ SATISFACTION They all ate and were satisfied - Mt 14:20a+ They all ate and were satisfied, Mk 6:42+ And they all ate and were satisfied; Lk 9:17a+ When they were filled Jn 6:12+ FAR MORE ABUNDANT They picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, 12 full baskets. - Mt 14:20+ They picked up 12 full baskets of the broken pieces, and also of the fish. Mk 6:43+ The broken pieces which they had left over were picked up, 12 baskets full. Lk 9:17b+ He said to His disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments so that nothing will be lost.” So they gathered them up, and filled 12 baskets with fragments from the 5 barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. Jn 6:12-13+ MIRACULOUS NUMBERS FED There were about 5000 men who ate, besides women and children.Mt 14:21+ There were 5000 men who ate the loaves. Mk 6:44+ There were about 5000 men - Lk 9:14a+ So the men sat down, in number about 5000. Jn 6:10b+ PROPHET BUT NOT MESSIAH When the people saw the sign which He had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jn 6:14+ JESUS SENDS DISCIPLES AWAY Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. - Mt 14:22+ Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side to Bethsaida, while He Himself was sending the crowd away. Mk 6:45+ JESUS PRAYS After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.Mt 14:23+ After bidding them farewell, He left for the mountain to pray. Mk 6:46+ So Jesus, perceiving that they were intending to come and take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew again to the mountain by Himself alone. Jn 6:15+ Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!" NET Matthew 14:16 But he replied, "They don't need to go. You give them something to eat." NLT Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary-- you feed them." ESV Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." NIV Matthew 14:16 Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." GNT Matthew 14:16 ὁ δὲ [Ἰησοῦς] εἶπεν αὐτοῖς, Οὐ χρείαν ἔχουσιν ἀπελθεῖν, δότε αὐτοῖς ὑμεῖς φαγεῖν. KJV Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. YLT Matthew 14:16 And Jesus said to them, 'They have no need to go away -- give ye them to eat.' ASV Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat. CSB Matthew 14:16 "They don't need to go away," Jesus told them. "You give them something to eat." NKJ Matthew 14:16 But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." NRS Matthew 14:16 Jesus said to them, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat." they: 2Ki 4:42-44 Job 31:16,17 Pr 11:24 Ec 11:2 Lu 3:11 Joh 13:29 2Co 8:2,3 9:7,8 THE TEST OF THEIR FAITH John's Gospel adds some details not found in the synoptic accounts - "Therefore Jesus, lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was coming to Him, said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?” This He was saying to test (peirazo) him, for He Himself knew what He was intending to do." (Jn 6:5b-6+) R C H Lenski helps set the context - At this point we must turn to John 6:5–7+. When Jesus first stepped out of his retirement on the mountain side he put the question to Philip about buying bread for all these people. Jesus did this in advance in order to test out one of his disciples. Already then Jesus knew what he would do when evening would come. But all that Jesus got from Philip was that it would take more money than they had in their treasury to provide even a very little for so many people—not an inkling that Philip remembered Cana or thought of miraculous help on the part of Jesus in any way. Disappointed in Philip, Jesus descends to the multitude, heals the sick, and teaches about the kingdom until evening had actually come—entirely unconcerned about the bodily needs of the people and the passing of the time. The question put to Philip was evidently intended to have him report to the other apostles, and thus that all of them might think about it as the hours wore on. They did that but arrived at nothing. (ISMG) But Jesus said to them, "They do not need to go away - This was the first shock to the disciples. You give them something to eat!" (also in Mk 6:37+ and Lk 9:13a+) - The emphasis in the Greek is on YOU. Now comes the real test of the faith of the twelve. Give is a command in the aorist imperative calling for them to do it now. Don't delay. Put yourself in the sandals of the disciples with up to 20,000 stomachs "growling" in the background and Jesus says feed 'em! The disciples had commanded Jesus to send in the aorist imperative but Jesus now commands them to give in the same tense! I think Jesus' command takes precedence!
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MacArthur comments that as "Gruesome and ghoulish as that act was, such things were not uncommon in those days. Potentates had life and death power over their subjects and prisoners, and that power was frequently exercised and seldom questioned. Herodias had an ancestor named Alexander Junius, who held a feast at which he had eight hundred rebels crucified before the assembled guests. While the men were hanging on their crosses, their wives and children were slain in front of their eyes." (ED: How could anyone refute the doctrine of total depravity!) (See Matthew Commentary) Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. given: Ge 49:7 Pr 27:4 29:10 Jer 22:17 Eze 16:3,4 19:2,3 35:6 Rev 16:6 Rev 17:6 Feast of Herod, Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1531 JOHN'S HEAD ON A PLATTER And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother - Morison quips this was "A fit presentation for cannibals, or other savages, whether living in a palace or" not. Adam
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MacArthur - After Herod had John beheaded, he inquired about Jesus and “ kept trying to see Him ” ( Luke 9:9+). But Jesus made no effort to see Herod and would not allow Herod to see Him until it was His Father’s time. Jesus once sent a message to the king when it was reported that Herod wanted to kill Him, saying, “ Go and tell that fox, ‘ Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal ’ ” ( Luke 13:32 ). Jesus went about His mission and left the king to his unresolved fear, to his unrelenting sin, and to his doom of damnation. After His appearance before the Sanhedrin and Pilate, Jesus was sent to Herod and they saw each other for the first time. (Read Lk 23:8,9,11+) (See Matthew Commentary) Herod rejected Christ, and Christ rejected Herod. For fear of a woman, for fear of his reputation, for fear of his peers, for fear of his throne— and for lack of fear for God— he damned his soul forever. -- John MacArthur Matthew 14:12 His disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus. NET Matthew 14:12 Then John's disciples came and took the body and buried it and went and told Jesus. NLT Matthew 14:12 Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened. ESV Matthew 14:12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus. NIV Matthew 14:12 John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. GNT Matthew 14:12 καὶ προσελθόντες οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἦραν τὸ πτῶμα καὶ ἔθαψαν αὐτὸ[ν] καὶ ἐλθόντες ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Ἰησοῦ. KJV Matthew 14:12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus. YLT Matthew 14:12 And his disciples having come, took up the body, and buried it, and having come, they told Jesus, ASV Matthew 14:12 And his disciples came, and took up the corpse, and buried him; and they went and told Jesus. CSB Matthew 14:12 Then his disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus. NKJ Matthew 14:12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. NRS Matthew 14:12 His disciples came and took the body and buried it; then they went and told Jesus. took: Mt 27:58-61 Ac 8:2 Related Passage: Mark 6:29+ When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb. His disciples (mathetes) came and took away the body and buried it - This refers to John's disciples, so they clearly were not with him when he was beheaded although we know they had access to him from Mt 11:2. Just imagine their agony and grief that this man who had taught them was lying headless on a prison floor. Took away is the verb airo which means to lift up or pick up and carry away. Picture John's headless body lying on the floor of his prison cell with blood everywhere -- a gruesome scene for sure! But don't miss the glorious word "it"! Why? Because they buried "IT" not HIM.
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MacArthur - He must have felt much as He did when He approached Lazarus’s grave and wept (John 11:35) and when He looked out over Jerusalem through tears and said, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes” (Luke 19:42+). He represented the compassionate heart of God even more fully than had Jeremiah, who declared to rebellious Judah, “But if you will not listen to [God’s warning], my soul will sob in secret for such pride; and my eyes will bitterly weep and flow down with tears” (Jer. 13:17). (See Matthew Commentary - Page 427) Spurgeon describes "the strange character of His guests. We do not know what sort of people they were, but this we do know, He did not exempt one because of any flaw in his character! They were a nondescript multitude. Little good could be said of them except that they had an ear to hear Jesus preach and were especially glad if the sermon was the first course, with loaves and fishes for the second. They were a carnal people and had nothing about them that deserved our Lord’s consideration. But when did Jesus Christ wait until men deserved it before He blessed them?" (The Miracle of the Loaves)
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MacArthur points out that "Jesus postponed His rest, His privacy, His time alone with the disciples, and even His time with His Father in order to meet the needs of those helpless people who suffered." (See Matthew Commentary - Page 428) Craig Evans writes that Matthew "misses no opportunity to portray Jesus as healer. See Matt. 4:23–24; 9:35; 12:15; 15:30; 19:2; 21:14." (BKBC-Mt) Healed (cured)(2323)(therapeuo from therapon = a servant) means primarily to care for, to wait upon, minister to. The most common use of this verb is describing medical aspects such as to take care of the sick, to heal, to cure. Here are the 16 uses in Matthew: Matthew 4:23 Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:24 The news about Him spread throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all who were ill, those suffering with various diseases and pains, demoniacs, epileptics, paralytics; and He healed them. Matthew 8:7 Jesus *said to him, “I will come and heal him.” Matthew 8:16 When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. Matthew 9:35 Jesus was going through all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Matthew 10:1 Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give. Matthew 12:10 And a man was there whose hand was withered. And they questioned Jesus, asking, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”–so that they might accuse Him. Matthew 12:15 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, Matthew 12:22 Then a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute was brought to Jesus, and He healed him, so that the mute man spoke and saw. Matthew 14:14 When He went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. Matthew 15:30 And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. Matthew 17:16 “I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” Matthew 17:18 And Jesus rebuked him, and the demon came out of him, and the boy was cured at once. Matthew 19:2 and large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there. Matthew 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them. Sick (732)(arrostos from a = without + rhṓnnumi = to strengthen,make firm) means strictly without strength; hence sickly, infirm, disabled; invalid. BDAG says literally "powerless." Liddell-Scott adds "weak, sickly:-Adv.,to be ill, Aeschin. 2. in moral sense, weak, feeble (of soul - Xen)." This word in context would indicate that these “strengthless ones” could only with great difficulty have been transported to this distant, uninhabited place. Arrostos - 5x -sick(3), sick people(2). Matt. 14:14; Mk. 6:5; Mk. 6:13; Mk. 16:18; 1 Co. 11:30 Related Resource: Jehovah Rapha: (Jehovah Rophe) The LORD our Healer (Jesus] was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. MATTHEW 14:14 Many years ago, a back-country woman in Florida received news that her son had been killed in the war. Shortly thereafter, she was seen hoeing in her garden. "It just isn't fitting," chided a neighbor who thought it was inappropriate to be gardening instead of grieving. "Friend," said Effie Mae, "I know you mean well, but Jim rejoiced to see green things growing because it meant that his mother and the young ones would be eating. This is his hoe, and when I'm hoeing I can almost feel his big, strong hands under mine and hear his voice saying, 'That's good, Mom, that's good.' Working is the only headstone I can give him." Is your heart broken today? Does life seem empty? Do you feel like giving up? There is hope in the Master's example. Take up whatever duties lie before you. Dedicate them to God. Refuse the luxury of self-pity. Do something to lift the burdens of others. —D. J. D. To EASE ANOTHER'S HEARTACHE IS THE WAY TO FORGET YOUR OWN. 🙏 THOUGHT - The closer Jesus came to the Cross, the more He sought to make DISCIPLE MAKERS out of them. Tommy Nelson says that the best disciple makers are those who ''smell their own mortality'' who are near the end of their life, like salmon who die in spawning so that they may produce offspring. Here Jesus has reached a turning point in His ministry and begins to show how God brings men from a LEARNER to a responsible REPRODUCER. Look at v15 --> His disciples were saying send the people away because they were HUNGRY. The most important thing in the world is my belly they were saying. Before you become a REPRODUCER you have to deal with. that inclination-- How I feel is important, God and people aren't important but my belly is important! ''Me, me, me, I love myself. I have my picture on my shelf.'' So (1) You've got to see the crowd like Jesus saw them. (2) You give them something to eat: Jesus is saying here is a huge crowd and you obviously don't have the ability to do what I'm asking...He is telling them to LIVE A SUPERNATURAL life! Our response is like their's in Mt 14:17...''We can't do it. It's impossible.'' This is where we need to come in our lives...to acknowledge that we cannot do what He asks with our own wares. In Mt 14:18 note: Do not take your 5 loaves and 2 fishes to the multitude because the first big guy will eat them all. What you do is what He said...you take your life and bring it to Him. You go to Christ. Have you come to verse 18 in your life? That place where you say ''Bless me and break me and then give me away.''? IT was a tragic mistake. On July 3, 1988, the navy cruiser U.S.S. Vincennes shot down an Iranian airliner with 290 aboard. All were lost. The ship's captain mistakenly thought they were under attack by an F-14 Iranian fighter. Public opinion polls showed that most Americans opposed paying compensation to the victims' families. The cruel treatment of American hostages in Iran was still fresh in many minds. But President Reagan approved compensation. Asked by reporters if such payment would send the wrong signal, he replied, "I don't ever find compassion a bad precedent." For many people, revenge is much simpler to practice. Yet compassion—caring for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of a person—is Christ's way. It reveals the heart of God for sinful people—for you and for me. The feeding of the five thousand was a miracle born out of compassion. Jesus was moved by the physical and spiritual needs of the people (Matthew 14:14; Mark 6:34). He was not content to teach them and then send them on their way. As Christians, we must look at the whole person through the eyes of Jesus. Being moved by compassion always sends the right signal. —DID Lord, when my heart is moved by compassion, make my body move into action. David Jeremiah - SEEING LIKE JESUS SEES And He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. MATTHEW 14:14 Are you old enough to remember the 3-D craze of several decades ago? Using cardboard glasses with red and blue lenses, you could read comic books drawn and printed in a certain way and—voilà!—the flat, lifeless pages sprang to life in three dimensions. The 3-D glasses were even available for certain movies. Wouldn’t it be interesting to suddenly be able to look at the world through “Jesus-colored lenses”—that is, to be able to see the world as Jesus sees it? There must be a radical difference between what He sees and what we see simply because we don’t always act like He did. For instance, what He saw evoked compassion on numerous occasions. Sick people, demonized people, lost people, hungry and homeless people . . . these were not just the froth on the wake of a fast-moving society. These were real people with real needs. When Jesus looked at life, He always did the same thing—He gave. He gave of His time, His power, His wisdom . . . and ultimately, He gave His life. What do you see when you look at the world—and what do you do in response? The closer we get to Jesus, the more we’ll see what He saw. Seeing the world like Jesus means giving to the world like Jesus. At times, the world seems to be an uncaring, unsympathetic place. People are often cruel and indifferent, not giving a second thought to the plight of their suffering neighbors. Wrapped up in their own interests, they don't seem to notice the anguish and despair that is at their doorstep. This could not be said of the Lord Jesus. Time after time He met the needs of suffering people. Luke 7 tells about Christ's compassion when He saw the widow stricken with grief over the death of her son. Jesus had compassion on her and healed the boy. Earlier, when He saw a man with leprosy—who was despised, ostracized, and no doubt terribly disfigured—He made him well (Luke 5:12, 13, 14, 15). Still today, Jesus looks upon human need with compassion. A little girl whose mother had been taken to the hospital was spending the night alone with her father for the first time. Soon after her father turned out the lights, the girl asked quietly, "Daddy, are you there?" "Yes," he assured her. A moment later she asked, "Daddy, are you looking at me?" When he said yes, she fell asleep. God loves every one of us as if there were but one of us to love. Matthew 14:15 When it was evening, the disciples came to Him and said, "This place is desolate and the hour is already late; so send the crowds away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." NET Matthew 14:15 When evening arrived, his disciples came to him saying, "This is an isolated place and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away so that they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves." NLT Matthew 14:15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves." ESV Matthew 14:15 Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves." NIV Matthew 14:15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." GNT Matthew 14:15 ὀψίας δὲ γενομένης προσῆλθον αὐτῷ οἱ μαθηταὶ λέγοντες, Ἔρημός ἐστιν ὁ τόπος καὶ ἡ ὥρα ἤδη παρῆλθεν· ἀπόλυσον τοὺς ὄχλους, ἵνα ἀπελθόντες εἰς τὰς κώμας ἀγοράσωσιν ἑαυτοῖς βρώματα. KJV Matthew 14:15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. YLT Matthew 14:15 and evening having come, his disciples came to him, saying, 'The place is desolate, and the hour hath now past, let away the multitudes that, having gone to the villages, they may buy to themselves food.' ASV Matthew 14:15 And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food. CSB Matthew 14:15 When evening came, the disciples approached Him and said, "This place is a wilderness, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves." NKJ Matthew 14:15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food." NRS Matthew 14:15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves." the disciples came: Mk 6:35,36 Lu 9:12 send: Mt 15:23 Mk 8:3 NO FAST FOOD DINERS IN THE DESERT When it was evening - When this was is not certain. Mark has "When it was already quite late...already quite late." (Mk 6:35+) Luke has "Now the day was ending" (Lk 9:12+) Broadus explains that "The Jews were accustomed to distinguish between the first evening and the second evening. Just what the distinction was, has not been certainly determined (Edersheim); it is commonly supposed that the first was from about 3 P. M. to sunset, the second from sunset on into the night." (Commentary) The disciples came to Him and said - Luke says "the twelve came and said to Him." (Lk 9:12+) This place is desolate (eremos) and the hour is already late - Mark adds "His disciples came to Him and said, “This place is desolate." (Mk 6:35-36+) but not a desert because they sat on green grass (Mk 6:39+) The disciples, who are not always fast mentally, tell Jesus there are no "fast food" places! And since the hour is late the crowds need to hurry to the villages before the stores close. The Lord of all Creation has the stage set for His great sign which clearly points to His deity. 🙏 THOUGHT - By way of application remember that large crowds of people today are in a desolate place in their sin and in desperate need of the spiritual food of Christ, the Bread of Life.
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MacArthur says evening "lasted from six to nine o’clock. The multitudes had been fed during the earlier evening (Mt. 14:15), which was from three to six." (MNTC-Mt) Robertson agrees writing this is "The second or late evening, six P.M. at this season, or sunset on." "It seems likely from the use of ‘evening’ in v. 23 (Mark 6:47; John 6:16), and from other expressions of John, that already in the early part of the night the disciples had gone out into the midst of the lake, and there continued to be harassed by the fierce opposing wind until towards morning." (Broadus Commentary) POSB - Christ wanted the disciples to begin learning one of the most important lessons of their lives: His presence would always be with them, not necessarily His physical presence but His spiritual presence. What they needed was great trust in Him (see Peter’s demonstration of trust, vv. 28–29). The Lord’s presence makes all the difference in the world. (See Mt. 8:23–27+) Christ’s presence is assured by personal preparation: prayer (Mt 14:22–23). Christ’s presence conquers fear (Mt 14:24–27). Christ’s presence stirs the hope of being saved (Mt 14:28–31). Christ’s presence conquers nature (Mt 14:32). Christ’s presence stirs confession and worship (Mt 14:33). (Borrow The Preacher's outline & sermon Bible) Evening (late)(3798)(opsios from opsed = long after, late, after the close of day) is a noun meaning late. Louw-Nida - pertaining to a point near the end of a day (normally after sunset but before night). PLAYING SOLITAIRE Seeking solitude was an important priority for Jesus (see also Mt 14:13). He made room in his busy schedule to be alone with the Father. Spending time with God in prayer nurtures a vital relationship and equips us to meet life’s challenges and struggles. Develop the discipline of spending time alone with God; it will help you grow spiritually and become more and more like Christ. (Barton) WALK WITH JOHN CALVIN “By going to the mountain he was seeking a time of prayer free from interruption. “We all know how easily prayer can be quenched by the least distraction. “Although Christ did not suffer from this weakness, he warned us by his example to be careful to disengage our minds from the snares of the world, so that we may be carried up to heaven. “The most important thing is solitude. Those who pray with God as their only witness will be more watchful, will pour forth their hearts to him, and will examine themselves more carefully. “The freedom to pray in all places does not prevent us from praying in secret.” Streams in the Desert - “He went up into a mountain apart.” (Matt. 14:23.) ONE of the blessings of the old-time Sabbath was its calm, its restfulness, its holy peace. There is a strange strength conceived in solitude. Crows go in flocks and wolves in packs, but the lion and the eagle are solitaires. Strength is not in bluster and noise. Strength is in quietness. The lake must be calm if the heavens are to be reflected on its surface. Our Lord loved the people, but how often we read of His going away from them for a brief season. He tried every little while to withdraw from the crowd. He was always stealing away at evening to the hills. Most of His ministry was carried on in the towns and cities by the seashore, but He loved the hills the best, and oftentimes when night fell He would plunge into their peaceful depths. The one thing needed above all others today is that we shall go apart with our Lord, and sit at His feet in the sacred privacy of His blessed presence. Oh, for the lost art of meditation! Oh, for the culture of the secret place! Oh, for the tonic of waiting upon God!—Selected. “It is well to live in the valley sweet, Where the work of the world is done, Where the reapers sing in the fields of wheat, As they toil till the set of sun. But beyond the meadows, the hills I see Where the noises of traffic cease, And I follow a Voice that calleth to me From the hilltop regions of peace. “Aye, to live is sweet in the valley fair, And to toil till the set of sun; But my spirit yearns for the hilltop’s air When the day and its work are done. For a Presence breathes o’er the silent hills, And its sweetness is living yet; The same deep calm all the hillside fills, As breathed over Olivet.” “Every life that would be strong must have its Holy of Holies into which only God enters.” Streams in the Desert - “He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when evening was come, he was there alone.” (Matt. 14:23.) THE man Christ Jesus felt the need of perfect solitude—Himself alone, entirely by Himself alone with Himself. We know how much intercourse with men draws us away from ourselves and exhausts our powers. The man Christ Jesus knew this, too, and felt the need of being by Himself again, of gathering all His powers, of realizing fully His high destiny, His human weakness, His entire dependence on the Father. How much more does the child of God need this—himself, alone with spiritual realities, himself alone with God the Father. If ever there were one who could dispense with special seasons for solitude and fellowship, it was our Lord. But He could not do His work or maintain His fellowship in full power, without His quiet time. Would God that every servant of His understood and practiced this blessed art, and that the Church knew how to train its children into some sense of this high and holy privilege, that every believer may and must have his time when he is indeed himself alone with God. Oh, the thought to have God all alone to myself, and to know that God has me all alone to Himself! —Andrew Murray. Lamertine speaks in one of his books of a secluded walk in his garden where his mother always spent a certain hour of the day, upon which nobody ever dreamed for a moment of intruding. It was the holy garden of the Lord to her. Poor souls that have no such Beulah land! Seek thy private chamber, Jesus says. It is in the solitude that we catch the mystic notes that issue from the soul of things. A MEDITATION My soul, practice being alone with Christ! It is written that when they were alone He expounded all things to His disciples. Do not wonder at the saying; it is true to thine experience. If thou wouldst understand thyself send the multiude away. Let them go out one by one till thou art left alone with Jesus. … Has thou ever pictured thyself the one remaining creature in the earth, the one remaining creature in all the starry worlds? In such a universe thine every thought would be “God and I! God and I!” And yet He is as near to thee as that—as near as if in the boundless spaces there throbbed no heart but His and thine. Practice that solitude, O my soul! Practice the expulsion of the crowd! Practice the stillness of thine own heart! Practice the solemn refrain “God and I! God and I!” Let none interpose between thee and thy wrestling angel! Thou shalt be both condemned and pardoned when thou shalt meet Jesus alone! —George Matheson. A W Tozer - The Need for Solitude And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. —Matthew 14:23 Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. It wears us out by multiplying distractions and beats us down by destroying our solitude, where otherwise we might drink and renew our strength before going out to face the world again. “The thoughtful soul to solitude retires,” said the poet of other and quieter times; but where is the solitude to which we can retire today? Science, which has provided men with certain material comforts, has robbed them of their souls by surrounding them with a world hostile to their existence. “Commune with your own heart upon your bed and be still” is a wise and healing counsel, but how can it be followed in this day of the newspaper, the telephone, the radio and the television? These modern playthings, like pet tiger cubs, have grown so large and dangerous that they threaten to devour us all. What was intended to be a blessing has become a positive curse. No spot is now safe from the world’s intrusion. Lord, help us somehow to escape today and retire to solitude, even if only for a brief time. Amen. A Bit of Solitude After sending the people away, he went up a mountain to pray by himself. When evening came, he was there alone. Matthew 14:23 When bedtime finally comes and the only sound is the night settling in, what do you do first? Do you grab the remote off your nightstand and flip to a rerun of your favorite old sitcom? Do you search for the ads in the newspaper to see who’s having the best sales on new shoes? Or do you take this time to be alone with God? Jesus knew what it was like to be surrounded by people demanding His attention all day. What they asked of Him was all-consuming and He was the only one who could deliver. For those reasons, He made it a priority to slip away from everyone in the dark of night to spend time with His Father. Do you have times of solitude where you can talk freely to your Father? As day becomes night and the day’s work is over, find a place where you can hear from the Lord a little easier than through the din of the busy day. You may find that solitude in the middle of your bed, snuggled up in your robe on the sofa, or soaking in a warm tub. The important thing is to find a private place to meet your Lord and pray. Matthew 14:24 But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. Berkley 14:24 But the boat was by that time a good distance from shore and was tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. NET Matthew 14:24 Meanwhile the boat, already far from land, was taking a beating from the waves because the wind was against it. NLT Matthew 14:24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. ESV Matthew 14:24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. NIV Matthew 14:24 but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. GNT Matthew 14:24 τὸ δὲ πλοῖον ἤδη σταδίους πολλοὺς ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς ἀπεῖχεν βασανιζόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν κυμάτων, ἦν γὰρ ἐναντίος ὁ ἄνεμος. KJV Matthew 14:24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. YLT Matthew 14:24 and the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. ASV Matthew 14:24 But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary. CSB Matthew 14:24 But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. NKJ Matthew 14:24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. NRS Matthew 14:24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. battered by the waves: Mt 8:24 Isa 54:11 Mk 6:48 Joh 6:18 Related Passages: Mark 6:47+ When it was evening, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He was alone on the land. John 6:16+ Now when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 and after getting into a boat, they started to cross the sea to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea began to be stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. 19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they *saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened. TIME FOR A DIVINE POP TEST
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MacArthur - The only means of movement was rowing, and they were desperately “straining at the oars” (Mark 6:48) for their very lives....The worst part was that Jesus was not with them. During a similar storm, they had awakened Him and He “rebuked the winds and the sea; and it became perfectly calm” (Matt. 8:26+). But now He was miles away. (See Matthew MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Barton - The disciples had left sometime before sunset, so by the time evening came, they were a considerable distance from land. The disciples often fished during the night, so sailing out into the night was not unusual. However, the disciples were being blown off course, fighting the sea in their boat, buffeted by the waves. At least the last time this had happened, Jesus had been in the boat with them (although they had to awaken him to get his help, 8:23–27). This time, Jesus was alone on the land, and the disciples were left to fend for themselves (or so they thought) against another raging storm. The other Gospel writers record various details of this scenario. The disciples took down the sails and tried to keep control of the boat by strenuous rowing. For the entire night they fought the storm, able to row only about three or four miles (John 6:19). As Jesus prayed on the mountainside, he “saw the disciples straining at the oars” (Mark 6:48 NIV). (LAC)
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MacArthur - Jesus knew of their situation long before it happened, and He did not have to rush away from prayer in order to be on time to help. The storm and the disciples were equally in His hands, and He knew in advance exactly what He would do with both. (See Matthew MacArthur New Testament Commentary) And in the fourth watch of the night - This would be the hours just prior to dawn, from three to six in the morning. The Jews divided the night into four watches; the first was from 6 in the evening till 9 pm , the second from 9 to 12, the third from 12 to 3 and the fourth from 3 to 6; so that it may have just begun to be daylight before our Lord came toward the disciples. Note that this expression of time indicates Jesus prayed until (3–6 a.m.) probably seven or more hours. POSB adds "He prayed in a storm. A storm arose at some point, apparently long before 3 a.m. or the disciples would have already crossed the lake. The importance of prayer to Christ is strikingly seen in the fact that He prayed for so many hours in the midst of a storm." (Borrow The Preacher's outline & sermon Bible) MacArthur - Jesus waited a long time before He came to them, just as He waited until Lazarus had been dead for several days before He came to Bethany. In both instances, He could have come much sooner than He did and in both instances He could have performed the ensuing miracle without being present—just as He had done in healing the centurion’s servant (Matt. 8:13). He could, of course, have prevented the death of Lazarus and the rising of the wind in the first place. But in His infinite wisdom Jesus purposely allowed Mary and Martha and the disciples to reach the extremity of need before He intervened. He knew everything about all of them, and had known it since before they were born. And He knew infinitely better than they did what was best for their welfare and for God’s glory. (See Matthew MacArthur New Testament Commentary) Jesus' delay was not due to indifference or inability to perform. He delayed but He was not too late. It is always within His power to fulfill His promise as He sees fit. God's "timepiece" is eternity so He sees things differently than we do. Remember that His delay is not necessarily His denial. He came to them, walking on the sea - Just in the nick of time is a saying we often here. Jesus is always "in the nick of time!" Here we see Jesus suspending the laws of gravitation which was another manifestation of His divinity, His omnipotence and His control over the creation He had created. Mark 6:48 adds "He came to them, walking on the sea; and He intended to pass by them." Barton - While some might try to explain away this miracle by saying Jesus was simply on the shore, the Gospel writers made it clear that Jesus walked “on” the water. Not only that, but he walked a great distance. John recorded that the disciples had gone three or four miles by the time Jesus came to them (John 6:19). So the waves were indeed fierce. (LAC) John Heading - The miracle is included in Matthew's Gospel to show the power of Christ, the weakness of faith, and the value of confessing the Son of God. (What the Bible Teaches)