Matthew
Lesson 7Matthew 14:1-16:12
We continue our study of Matthew by taking a look at some of Christ’s miracles. In particular, we will examine Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, His walking on water, and His feeding of the four thousand; and yes, he did both. In Chapter 14 of his gospel, Matthew vividly depicts Christ as someone who is now focusing his ministry on teaching the disciples and continuing His preparation of them for the task that lies ahead—namely spreading the Gospel that He, Jesus Christ, is the Messiah.
Read Matthew 14:1-16:12 and consider the following:
- After reading these chapters and looking at the miracles of feeding so many people, the healings Christ performed, and the description of His encounter with the disciples as He walked on water to help them; how would you evaluate the reaction of the crowds to Christ compared with the reaction of the disciples to Christ?
- What was Herod’s reaction to Christ after Herod beheaded John the Baptist? (see Matt. 14:1-2)
- Do you think that if Christ came today and actually performed these miracles at this point in time that more people would believe that he is the Messiah, the risen Christ? (See Luke 16:31)
- Read Matthew 14:12-21 again. How many people did Jesus feed with the five loaves and two fish? (No, 5000 people is not the correct answer; read verse 21 again.)
- After critical examination of this miracle, who is the real source of the food? (see verse 19)
- Who distributed this food? (see verse 19)
- Look at the miracle described in Matthew 14:22-36. What can we learn from this miracle? There is much. For example:
- When did Jesus go to pray? Was this his custom? (See Mark 1:35) Should it be a pattern that we follow?
- What did Jesus demonstrate that he had power over in this miracle? Is that all? (Don’t overlook the fact that he knew that they were in distress and needed help; even though they were far away from him.)
- How much time had elapsed since the feeding of the large multitudes and this event? Could the disciples have forgotten that miracle by this time?
- Do you think that somehow Peter’s experience on the water foreshadowed his experience during Christ’s arrest? Are there any similarities?
- Was Jesus, or was Peter, able to walk on water because they were in a resurrected body? If not, how do you explain this miracle?
- What does verse 27 say to us when the seas of life are tossing us around?
- We observed that Peter had a brief lapse in faith. How did Jesus react to this lapse when Peter cried out for help? (see verse 31) What does this tell us about Jesus when we cry out for help because our faith is weak?
- Read Matthew 15:1-20. What is Christ teaching in this passage that applies to us today?
- In Matthew 15:29-39, how many people were fed? (And no, it’s not 4000; look again.)
- In Matthew 16:1-4, what is the "sign of Jonah" that Christ refers to? (see also Matt. 12:38-45)
- In Mathew 16:5-12, Christ refers to the "yeast of the Pharisees". How does this term relate to Matthew 15:1-20, and what would be the equivalent of this today?
Can we see from the miracle of the feeding with the five loaves and two fish, that Jesus was demonstrating to the disciples that he was the true source of the Bread of Life? Can we also see that the job of his followers was to seek him out as the only source and to distribute this food to those who were in need? This is what Jesus is showing us today as well. While he was focused on teaching this lesson to the disciples regarding the Jews who would follow after them; he later demonstrates this for the Gentiles as well, when he feeds the four thousand, some of whom were probably Gentiles, based on the location.
Today as followers of Christ we should seek Him out as the true source of the Bread of Life and freely share this will all of those who hunger and thirst and are searching for Him.
Through this miracle, as well as the others, we see first-hand the power of God in Jesus. We see his power over the elements, his power over the natural order, and his power over evil, demons, sickness, and fear. This same one who fed so many, who rid demons, who healed the sick, the deaf, and the blind; this same Jesus lives in us today. Through His Holy Spirit he imparts this power to us for the spreading of the Gospel Message; and he imparts this power to help those whose faith is weak, or who are searching for life’s answers.
So let us take this theme from the lesson today, namely that "Nothing is impossible for God"; absolutely, positively, nothing. And let us be empowered to boldly go wherever Christ leads us, having no fear and lacking nothing, as God supplies all our needs. What a life of victory we can lead if only we will make Jesus the Lord of our life. Won’t you commit today to turn over the lordship of your life to Christ and begin to live the life that Christ has designed for you?
I am praying for each of you that Christ will fill your hearts with peace and joy and the blessed assurance that all we need is ours through Him.
Have a great week everyone!
In Christ,
Wes
[2014]