|
In this lesson:
Jesus feeds thousands (14:13-21) and walks on water (14:22-33). Jesus visits Gennesaret (14:34-36). Study Tip: Make a list of Bible verses that teach how to be a Christian. Memorize your favorites. |
Palestine at the time of Jesus
|
Where was -
Gennesaret - Gennesaret was a town located to the west of the Sea of Galilee, specifically four miles southwest of Capernaum, in an area known as "The Plain of Gennesaret." This plain was a fertile and well-watered region, measuring four miles long and two miles wide, often referred to as "the paradise of Galilee." In Luke 5:1, the Sea of Galilee is also called "the Lake of Gennesaret."
Gennesaret - Gennesaret was a town located to the west of the Sea of Galilee, specifically four miles southwest of Capernaum, in an area known as "The Plain of Gennesaret." This plain was a fertile and well-watered region, measuring four miles long and two miles wide, often referred to as "the paradise of Galilee." In Luke 5:1, the Sea of Galilee is also called "the Lake of Gennesaret."
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
The King James Bible
The King James Bible
|
Matthew 14:13-36
More miracles 13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick. 15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals. 16 But Jesus said unto them, They need not depart; give ye them to eat. 17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. 22 And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? 32 And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God. 34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased; 36 And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole. |
Margin notes:
"When Jesus heard of it." (14:13) - When Jesus heard that King Herod had John the Baptist headed (Matthew 14:10-12). "Apart." (14:13) - Means "by himself." "When the people had heard thereof, they followed him." (14:13) - "When people heard this, they followed Jesus." As Jesus sailed in a boat, the crowd followed Him on foot along the shoreline. "As Jesus went forth." (14:14) - "As Jesus left the boat." "The time is now past." (14:15) - "The time is late." "Buy themselves victuals." (14:15) - "Buy themselves food." "They did all eat." (14:20) - A miracle. "They took up of the fragments." (14:20) - "They picked up the leftovers." "Beside women and children." (14:21) - "Not counting women and children." "Straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship." (14:22) - "Immediately, Jesus had His disciples get into a ship." "The wind was contrary." (14:24) - "The wind was against them." "In the fourth watch." (14:25) - Between 3-6 AM. "Walking on the sea." (14:25) - Another miracle. "The wind ceased." (14:32) - Yet another miracle. "When the men of that place had knowledge of him." (14:35) - "When the men of the area learned Jesus was there." By this time, it was well-known that Jesus was performing miracles. "As many as touched were made perfectly whole." (14:36) - Yet another miracle. This was not the only time the mere touching of Jesus' garment would heal the sick (Mark 5:27-29). |
Mark 6:33-56, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-15 all tell the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes. Except for Jesus' resurrection, it is the only miracle mentioned in all four Gospels.
New Living Translation
Matthew 14:13-36
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.
14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."
16 But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary-you feed them."
17 "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!" they answered.
18 "Bring them here," he said.
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!"
28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
29 "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.
35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed.
36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand
13 As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.
14 Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15 That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."
16 But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary-you feed them."
17 "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!" they answered.
18 "Bring them here," he said.
19 Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
20 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
21 About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
25 About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"
27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!"
28 Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
29 "Yes, come," Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
30 But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
33 Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
34 After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.
35 When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed.
36 They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
The "New Living Translation" (Tyndale House, Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois) is a paraphrase and not an accurate word-for-word translation of the Bible. However, it is a helpful tool when read with the "King James Version."
Key verses from this passage
"And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick." (14:14)
"And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full." (14:19-20)
"And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." (14:25)
"And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased." (14:35)
"And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full." (14:19-20)
"And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." (14:25)
"And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased." (14:35)
Today's Questions:
1. If Jesus is the Son of God, why did He pray? (14:23)
2. Why did Jesus walk on water? (14:25)
Did someone forward this lesson to you? Sign up today to receive them for free. Click here.
1. If Jesus is the Son of God, why did He pray? (14:23)
2. Why did Jesus walk on water? (14:25)
Did someone forward this lesson to you? Sign up today to receive them for free. Click here.
Answers: (Do you agree?)
1. We must remember that Jesus, even being the Son of God, lived life as a human. Prayer kept Jesus in contact with God, nurtured Him, strengthened His relationship with the Father, prepared Him to face struggles, provided an example for His disciples, and helped Jesus to identify with our humanity (Hebrews 4:14-16). Like us, Jesus experienced times of sorrow and gratitude. He knew that prayer was a vital part of life.
2. Jesus suspended the laws of nature and walked on water to bolster the disciples' faith. They were in a boat, struggling against strong winds and waves. By walking on water, Jesus showed His authority over nature. Within this one act, there were actually four miracles. (1) Despite being far off on a mountain top (14:23), Jesus knew His disciples were in trouble. (2) He found them on the stormy sea, even in the darkness. (3) He walked on water to reach them (14:25). (4) He made Peter walk on water (14:29).
This story teaches that even in life's storms, Jesus is close.
Application thought for the day:
When Peter's faith faltered, he began to sink into the sea. So, he called on Jesus to save him (14:30). Do you rely on Jesus when your life gets stormy? Isn't that when you need to spend more time with our Lord?
Offering free Bible lessons since 2007.
Please help us reach more unbelievers.
Please help us reach more unbelievers.
Visit us on Facebook and Instagram below
to explore hundreds of our original postings.
to explore hundreds of our original postings.
Thanks to the writings and commentary of John Wesley and Adam Clarke. Also, "The Layman's Bible Study Notebook" by Irving Jensen, published by Harvest House Publishing, Irvine, California; the "Life Change Series" published by NavPress books, Colorado Springs, Colorado; "Robertson's New Testament Word Studies;" "The MacArthur Bible Commentary" by John MacArthur, published by Thomas Nelson, Nashville, Tennessee; "Wisdom of the Bible" CD by Topics Entertainment, Inc., Renton, Washington for their inspiring pictures; "My utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio; The "Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge" by Reuben Archer Torrey; "Hope For Each Day" by Billy Graham, published by J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., Nashville, Tennessee; "Easton's Bible Dictionary" by Matthew George Easton; "Unger's Bible Dictionary" by Merrill F. Unger, published by Moody Press, Chicago, Illinois; "Atlas of the Bible" edited by Joseph L. Gardner, published by Readers Digest, Pleasantville, New York; "Halley's Bible Handbook" by Henry H. Halley, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The Everyday Bible" published by World Wide Publications, Minneapolis, Minnesota; "The New Testament" Recovery Version published by Living Stream Ministry, Anaheim, California; "The Living New Testament" published by Tyndale house, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Living Translation" published by Tyndale House, Wheaten, Illinois; "The New Testament" translated from the Latin Vulgate, published by Guild Press, New York, New York; the "Life Application Study Bible" published by Tyndale House Publishing, Carol Stream, Illinois; the "Quest Study Bible" published by The Zondervan Corporation, Grand Rapids, Michigan; "The New Scofield Reference Bible" published by Oxford University Press, New York, New York; BibleGateway.com for all their wonderful links; and of course, the "King James Bible." All were critical in putting these lessons together.
© 2025 evolke
© 2025 evolke