Matthew 14

Matthew 14 starts out with a wierd statement. Herod the tetrarch thought that Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead. It's not likely that he thought Jesus was the reincarnation of John because they were close in age. Maybe he thought that John's spirit had possessed Jesus. It could even be wishful thinking if Herod felt guilty for having John killed. Herod's mind isn't all there to begin with, so probably best not to overanalyze his thoughts. It's a strange statement, but it is a transition into the story of how Herod killed John the Baptist.

When Jesus heard about John He withdrew to a solitary place. Jesus needed to grieve. He didn't have long before the people found Him, but Jesus, though He was grieving, had compassion on the people and got to work healing them.

Jesus fed 5,000 men plus an untold number of women and children from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. So, when He tells us that we do not need to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear because our Heavenly Father will provide everything we need - remember this passage. Only give thanks to God and He will provide what you need.

After everyone else was taken care of, Jesus again wanted to have some time alone. While praying He saw a storm coming against the boat the disciples were in, so He walked out to them. Keep in mind that you can see one side from the other across the sea of Galilee. It's really a lake rather than a sea. And given the distances they usually walked, it wasn't even a very long walk if you were going to walk straight across from one side to the other. The power that Jesus shows here is awesome. While the disciples are dependent on the boat and at the mercy of the waves, Jesus simply walks right up to them completely independent and unphased. Not only does He stand there talking to them, but He even invites Peter out to join Him. Seemingly zero effort required. God's power and ability are so far beyond our comprehension that they exceed all the normal boundaries that we experience in this life.

And the chapter ends with people being healed by touching the hem of His cloak. Perhaps they heard of the woman with the blood being healed by touching it.