O you of little faith, why did you doubt?

John the Baptist was beheaded by Herod, the tetrarch of the region, possibly a puppet ruler. Although Herod wanted John's life initially because John warned him of adultery with his brother's wife, but decided to put him in jail to avoid any uproar. Later John was tricked into an oath by his lover's daughter and beheaded John.

After the news of John's beheading, Jesus left the region but many people followed Him. The led to another well known miracle in which Jesus fed five thousand men and women with five loaves and two fish. Jesus had wanted to be alone at first, but was moved in compassion to heal them and feed them as they cling to Him. He also showed the an example of giving thanks as he blessed and broke the bread and prayed. There were 12 baskets of leftover.

Another well known miracle happened after the feeding. Jesus send his disciples on a boat to the other side while he dismissed the crowd and went to pray. It is interesting to see these details recorded especially about Jesus lifestyle of spending time alone and praying, despite his incredibly busy schedule. In the night as the boat tossed, Jesus walked on water towards the boat. The disciples thought He was a ghost. After Jesus identified Himself, Peter walked out on the water too until he doubted and sank and was saved by Jesus. Jesus' gentle rebuke was ".... why did you doubt." Also in this event, they acknowledged Jesus as the "Son of God".

Another healing miracle event took place when Jesus's boat party landed at Gennesaret. They recognized Jesus and the people believed to the extent that even if they touched the hem of His garment, they would be healed. And in fact, they were healed according to their belief when they touched His garment.




Matthew 14
John the Baptist Beheaded

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

Feeding the Five Thousand

13 When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15 When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”

16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Jesus Walks on the Sea

22 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea,[a] tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.”

29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous,[b] he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Then those who were in the boat came and[c] worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Many Touch Him and Are Made Well

34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of[d] Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, 36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.