V1-2            Herod’s ignorance of spiritual things, yet he knows there are “miraculous powers” at work in Jesus. Something is happening beyond his understanding; no wonder he later mocks Jesus. Such is a common response to truly spiritual things.

V3-4    John’s self-sacrifice, being prepared to go to prison for his message. The faithful prophet is unpopular because people prefer their sins.

V5       Herod wants to get rid of John, but he has popularity amongst the common people. If Herod kills him, there may be unrest.

V6-8            Ultimately, we see Herod’s preference for physical things. Herodias brings her influence to bear, at the price of John’s life.

V9-12 See Mark 6.20; Herod is clearly impressed by John, which Matthew does not emphasise. But Herod is not so impressed as to repent of his sins.

            John’s disciples honour John by burying him, and reporting events to Jesus; where else can they go?

V13-14            Jesus sought a solitary place, but the people followed. They go to a desert place, itself an act of faith, trusting Jesus to provide for them. He sees the crowd not as an achievement, but as an opportunity. Here He can demonstrate His character and meet their needs. He is moved with compassion, and meets their needs, healing them, teaching them, and feeding them.

V15-21            The opportunity; to feed the people, to model godly living to the Twelve; not to send the people away, giving thanks, feeding the multitude; all demonstrates grace in action.

V22            Temporary separation from the disciples, and therefore a test for them. Jesus knows what is going to happen, and is in total control of events.

V23-24            Jesus makes the time to be alone with the Father. Some say, ‘He needed to pray;’ it is better to think, ‘He always communed with the Father.’

V25     He treads the waves of the sea, Job 9.8. Such is the power of God; can any mistake Jesus Christ for the Messiah?

            Jesus comes to the disciples in the fourth watch, ie: in the early morning; they have therefore endured the storm for several hours.

V26-27            The disciples have already witnessed many great things, but here is something different, a ‘private’ wonder, to encourage their faith, see v33.

V28-31            Peter is inspired to walk on the water; he makes a few steps before sinking, but here is a lesson learnt; the impossible may now be possible, through faith in Christ. The Lord brings a gentle rebuke.

V32     The trial is over, the wind has ceased, they are safe together.

V33     The disciples grow in their estimation of Jesus, and will they also grow in faith?

V34-36            See 8.28-34; Jesus returns to find the people much more willing to receive Him than during His first visit; presumably the testimony of the demon-possessed man made the difference.

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