Thematic Bible
Matthew 14:1 (show verse)
At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the news about Jesus.
Matthew 14:2 (show verse)
He told his servants: This is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. That explains the power working in him.
Matthew 14:3 (show verse)
Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
Matthew 14:4 (show verse)
For John had said to him: It is not lawful for you to have her.
Matthew 14:5 (show verse)
Herod wanted to put him to death but he feared the people since they believed John was a prophet.
Matthew 14:6 (show verse)
It was Herod's birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced for him and pleased him.
Matthew 14:7 (show verse)
So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.
Matthew 14:8 (show verse)
Prompted by her mother, she said: Give me John the Baptist's head on a platter.
Matthew 14:9 (show verse)
The king was grieved. He gave his oath and many were watching so he commanded that it be done.
Matthew 14:10 (show verse)
He gave the order to behead John in prison.
Matthew 14:11 (show verse)
His head was brought on a platter to the young lady. She in turn gave it to her mother.
Matthew 14:12 (show verse)
John the Baptist's disciples took the corpse and buried him, and then came and told Jesus.
Matthew 14:13 (show verse)
When Jesus heard it, he left in a boat to a secluded place. The crowds heard this and followed him on foot from the cities.
Matthew 14:14 (show verse)
He saw the great crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick.
Matthew 14:15 (show verse)
Evening came and the disciples approached Jesus and said: This place is desolate. Send the people away so they may go to the villages and buy themselves food.
Matthew 14:16 (show verse)
Jesus told them: They have no need to go away: you feed them.
Matthew 14:17 (show verse)
They remarked: We have only five loaves, and two fishes.
Matthew 14:18 (show verse)
Bring them to me, Jesus replied.
Matthew 14:19 (show verse)
He commanded the crowd to sit down on the grass. Then he prayed. He gave the five loaves and two fishes to the disciples to distribute to the crowd.
Matthew 14:20 (show verse)
And they all had plenty to eat. In fact they had twelve baskets full of food left over.
Matthew 14:21 (show verse)
About five thousand men, plus women and children ate.
Matthew 14:22 (show verse)
Jesus sent the disciples in a boat to the other side of the sea. He stayed there until he sent the crowd away.
Matthew 14:23 (show verse)
After sending the crowd away, he went to the mountain to pray by himself. He was there alone that night.
Matthew 14:24 (show verse)
But the boat was now in the middle of the sea. The wind and the waves caused great trouble.
Matthew 14:25 (show verse)
Just before morning, Jesus walked to them on the water.
Matthew 14:26 (show verse)
When they saw him walking on the water they were troubled. It is a spirit (apparition) (illusion)! they screamed! They cried out with fear.
Matthew 14:27 (show verse)
At once Jesus said: It is I; do not be afraid.
Matthew 14:28 (show verse)
Peter said to him: Lord, if it is you, give me the order to come to you on the water.
Matthew 14:29 (show verse)
He said: Come. Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
Matthew 14:30 (show verse)
When he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid. He began to sink, and cried: Help me Lord!
Matthew 14:31 (show verse)
Suddenly, Jesus put out his hand and took hold of him, and said: You of little faith, why were you in doubt?
Matthew 14:32 (show verse)
The wind went down when they got into the boat.
Matthew 14:33 (show verse)
Those on the boat loved him intensely, saying: Truly, you are the Son of God!
Matthew 14:34 (show verse)
They came to land at Gennesaret.
Matthew 14:35 (show verse)
When the men of that place heard the news about Jesus they told everyone in the country. The sick were taken to him.
Matthew 14:36 (show verse)
They wanted to touch his robe to be made well.