Matthew 14
Matthew 14:10-12 NIV
[10] and had John beheaded in the prison. [11] His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. [12] John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Normally the eldest son would bury someone who died, but John’s disciples fulfill this role for him. Later on we see the Jesus’ disciples fail to fulfill this act for Jesus. Would you have taken the risk of asking for Jesus’ body?
Matthew 14:13-14 NIV
[13] When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. [14] When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Jesus withdrew to deal with his grief alone. There are times when it is good to be alone in our grief and times when we need to be with others. We need to allow others to grieve in ways that feel right to them and not force what feels right to us on them. Jesus “had compassion on them.” He cared about people as he cares about us to this day. How can I “have compassion” on people in the coming days?
Matthew 14:27 NIV
[27] But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
I am trying to imagine how I would react to seeing someone walking across the lake in the early morning hours. The disciples were terrified. Is it more terrifying to experience something supernatural like Jesus walking in water or to know what will happen to those who don’t believe in him?
Matthew 14:28-31 NIV
[28] “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” [29] “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” [31] Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
At first peter shows great faith and does the extraordinary. But, he loses sight of Jesus and begins to falter. How hard it is to persevere against the trials and tribulations of this fallen world when we lose sight of Jesus. By believing we have hope in the promises recorded in the Bible and can rest assured that we will one day live in heaven with god. It is this hope that separates believers from the rest of the world.