14. Notes_Gospel of Matthew_NABRE Chapter 14

Read Chapter 14: The Gospel According to Matthew

മത്തായി അദ്ധ്യായം- 14 P. O. C ബൈബിള്‍

Study Notes for Matthew Chapter 14

1. Herod’s Opinion of Jesus (Matthew 14:1-2)

- At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard of the reputation of Jesus.

- Herod believed Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead, attributing mighty powers to him.

2. The Death of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:3-12)

   - Herod arrested John due to his disapproval of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. Herod the Tetrarch refers to Herod Antipas, ruler of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great.

   - John, courageously, told Herod it was unlawful for him to have Herodias.

   - Despite wanting to kill John, Herod feared the people who regarded John as a prophet.

   - Herodias' daughter's dance pleased Herod, leading to a rash oath to grant any request.

   - Prompted by her mother, the girl asked for John the Baptist's head on a platter.

   - Distressed but bound by his oath, Herod ordered John's beheading in prison.

   - John's disciples buried his body and informed Jesus of the tragic event.

Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee and Perea.

Herodias, Herod's sister-in-law, was married to another half-brother, Herod Boethus, against the law.

John the Baptist was imprisoned and later executed due to Herod's fear of a rebellion.

3. The Return of the Twelve and the Feeding of the Five Thousand (Matthew 14:13-21)

   - Upon hearing of John's death, Jesus withdrew to a deserted place by boat.

   - Crowds followed on foot, and Jesus, moved with pity, healed their sick.

   - As evening approached, disciples suggested sending the crowds to buy food.

   - Jesus instructed the disciples to provide food with only five loaves and two fish.

   - Jesus blessed, broke, and distributed the loaves, satisfying over five thousand men, not counting women and children.

   - Twelve baskets were filled with leftover fragments, mirroring God's provision in the past.

14:13–21] Feeding the Five Thousand:

• The only miracle in all four gospels, symbolizing the Eucharist and the final banquet in God's kingdom.

• Mirrors the feeding of Israel with manna during the Exodus and the expectation of a similar miracle in the messianic age.

• Jesus took, blessed, broke, and gave the loaves, resembling actions at the Last Supper.

• Twelve baskets of fragments left over, connecting to Elisha's miracle and possibly symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.

4. The Walking on the Water (Matthew 14:22-33)

   - Jesus made the disciples go ahead by boat while He dismissed the crowds.

   - Jesus prayed on a mountain while the boat struggled in the waves.

   - In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus walked on the sea, frightening the disciples.

   - Jesus assured them, and Peter, in faith, walked on water but doubted in the storm.

   - Jesus saved Peter, questioning his faith, and calmed the wind upon entering the boat.

   - The disciples worshipped Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Son of God.

5. The Healings at Gennesaret (Matthew 14:34-36)

   - After crossing, Jesus reached Gennesaret, where people recognized Him.

   - They brought the sick, seeking healing by touching even the tassel of His cloak.

   - All who touched the cloak were healed, emphasizing Jesus' powerful and compassionate nature.

Remmber:

• John the Baptist's death foreshadows Jesus' fate.

• Feeding the five thousand symbolizes the Eucharist and God's provision.

• Jesus has power over the elements, even walking on water.

• Faith is crucial; doubt hinders the miraculous.

Key Phrases:

"You of little faith" (14:31): Jesus encourages trust in Him, a recurring theme.

"It is I" (14:27): Echoes the divine presence, similar to Mark 6:50.

"Why did you doubt?" (14:31): Encourages reflection on faith.