Matt 14-15

When we read the Gospels, we need to think vertically and horizontally. For example, when I think vertically, I ask myself why the story of John the Baptist beheaded (14:1-12) is recorded here. It is because the context is talking about rejection of Jesus as the Messiah (Ch 11-16). John the Baptist is the forerunner of the Messiah (17:11-13). So, the death of the forerunner precedes the death of the Messiah. When I think horizontally, I remember John 6 also recorded the miracle of feeding 5,000. However, John inserted a follow up discussion about Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:25-71). The miracle is the climax of Jesus’ ministry but the discussion turned many followers away.

My Sharing: What is little faith and what is great faith? Jesus called Peter of little faith (14:31) because he did not trust Jesus’ word but had doubt when he focused on the environment. Jesus called the Canaanite woman of great faith because she only focused on Jesus and would not leave even after Jesus gave her very impolite answer (15:26). Our faith depends on where we focus.

Comments

Audrey said…
John is killed because he is the forerunner of Jesus. He prepares the people and asks them to repent. One of the people who needs to repent is Herod, because of his inappropriate relationship with his brother's wife 14:3. Not only does Herod refuse the message, he first puts John in the jail and then kills him. What will you think if you are Jesus when people treat your forerunner like that? " Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself 14:13." The story of feeding of 5000 and the walking on water shows one clear message: He is the Messiah and He is God. Even Herod do not recognize that Jesus' identity is sure.
April 18, 2007 at 5:50:00 AM CST
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