Matthew 14:1-23

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Matthew 14:1-23

1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus
2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod
7so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.
8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted
10and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.
11John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
12Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.
13When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.
14When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
16“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”
17“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18“Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.
19And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
21About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.
23After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,
— Matthew 14:1-23

Related Resources from Heartlight

Blessed Beyond Resources
Illustration of Matthew 14:15-21 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 14:15-21 NLT -- Late that afternoon, the followers came to Jesus and said, "No people live in this place. And it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves." Jesus answered, "The people don't need to go away. You give them some food to eat." The followers answered, "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish." Jesus said, "Bring the bread and the fish to me." Then Jesus told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves of bread and the two fish. Jesus looked into the sky and thanked God for the food. Then Jesus divided the loaves of bread. Jesus gave the bread to the followers, and the followers gave the bread to the people. All the people ate and were filled. After the people finished eating, the followers filled twelve baskets with the pieces of food that were not eaten. There were about 5,000 men there that ate. There were also women and children that ate.

No Neglect
Illustration of Matthew 14:22-23 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 14:22-23 NLT -- Then Jesus made the followers get into the boat. Jesus told them to go to the other side of the lake. Jesus said that he would come later. Jesus stayed there to tell the people they could go home. After Jesus said good-bye to the people, he went up into the hills. Jesus went there alone to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone.

Cross References for Matthew 14:1-23

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.