Matthew 14:1–21

Introduction

Matthew 14:1–21: Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee (and son of King Herod), heard about Jesus and wondered if Jesus were John the Baptist come back to life. The reading concludes with Jesus feeding more than five thousand people with five loaves and two fish.

Today’s Key Verse: Matthew 14:19b GNT

[Jesus] took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God.

Read

14 At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus. ² “He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life,” he told his officials. “That is why he has this power to perform miracles.”

³ For Herod had earlier ordered John’s arrest, and he had him tied up and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. ⁴ For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, “It isn’t right for you to be married to Herodias!” ⁵ Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.

⁶ On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased ⁷ that he promised her, “I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!”

⁸ At her mother’s suggestion she asked him, “Give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a plate!”

⁹ The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted. ¹⁰ So he had John beheaded in prison. ¹¹ The head was brought in on a plate and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. ¹² John’s disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.

¹³ When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land. ¹⁴ Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick.

¹⁵ That evening his disciples came to him and said, “It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves.”

¹⁶ “They don’t have to leave,” answered Jesus. “You yourselves give them something to eat!”

¹⁷ “All we have here are five loaves and two fish,” they replied.

¹⁸ “Then bring them here to me,” Jesus said. ¹⁹ He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. ²¹ The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children.

Reflect

Verses 1–12 recount the circumstances surrounding the execution of John the Baptist. Why had he been arrested and imprisoned? What occurred at Herod’s birthday banquet? At her mother’s suggestion, what did Herodias’s daughter request of Herod? Reread verses 15 and 16. When the disciples confront Jesus with the situation, what advice do they offer? What is Jesus’s response? In feeding the hungry, what do Jesus’s actions model for those who believe in and follow him? How does Herod’s lavish banquet compare with the inclusive meal offered by Jesus?

Pray

God of abundance and grace, thank you for nurturing me each day with your life-giving word. Open my heart and eyes to share my resources with those who need food and hunger for your love and care. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Matthew 14:22–36: Jesus walks on the water and heals the sick.