John the Baptizer is beheaded for speaking the truth about King Herod’s infidelity, Jesus heals the sick and miraculously feeds over 5000 people, and performs an even greater rarity of walking on water.

John the Baptizer Killed

Through this sad story, we learn that the one who heralded the coming of the promised Messiah, who preached a baptism of repentance, who fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy of one who would come and make a straight path for God; we learn that this John is tragically and brutally murdered for calling out the infidelity of the then King of Galilee.

Jesus Feeds a Multitude and Walks on Water

At hearing this sad news, Jesus retreats to a private place alone on boat. Arriving to his destination many crowds awaited him. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. This same crowd stayed with him well into the evening hours and his disciples would have sent them on their way, but Jesus still had compassion on them. Performing the miracle of multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish, he feed over 5000 people with more food left to spare!

After this miracle, we see Jesus telling his disciples to get into a boat to journey across the other side of the lake while he dismissed the crowd. Then here again, we see him taking another retreat alone to pray. While the disciples journey, they encountered a torrential storm and Jesus walking on the stormy waters toward them!

Summary

Here is what we learned from these amazing stories in chapter 14 of the Gospel of Matthew: