RSV ~ Matthew 14 Notes

Mt 14:1-12 | ISB Notes

John the Baptist’s martyrdom is a narrative “flashback” on events of the past. Matthew’s account has a double purpose: (1) It marks a clear distinction between John and Jesus in light of popular rumors about their identity (14:2; 16:14). (2) It underscores the high cost of Christian discipleship (5:1011; 10:39). The execution of John by governing authorities anticipates the fate of Jesus (17:12) and the early Christian martyrs (Rev 20:4).

Mt 14:1 | ISB Notes

Herod the tetrarch: Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, who governed Galilee and Perea from 4 B.C. until A.D. 39. See note on Mt 2:22.

Mt 14:4 | ISB Notes

It is not lawful: John publicly denounced the union of Herod Antipas and his mistress, Herodias. While the NT gives little background, extrabiblical history details how Antipas desired Herodias while she was married to his half-brother Herod Philip. Antipas and Herodias then abandoned their respective spouses in order to be united. The Mosaic Law, however, forbids the union of a man with his brother’s wife while the brother is still living (Lev 18:16; 20:21). Since Philip was yet living, John the Baptist spoke out against the union of Herod Antipas and Herodias and publicly disgraced them (Mk 6:19).

Mt 14:9 | ISB Notes

he commanded it: Herod succumbed to peer pressure by swearing an illicit oath (14:7) before his distinguished guests (14:9). Condemning an innocent man without trial, he stands in a stream of immorality historically linked with the Herodian dynasty. See notes on Mt 2:16 and 2:22.

Mt 14:13-21 | ISB Notes

Jesus’ multiplication of loaves appears in every Gospel. The event anticipates the Eucharist, a point that Matthew reinforces by using the same series of verbs (taking … blessed … broke … gave) here (14:19) and at the Last Supper (26:26; Mk 14:22).

• The miracle also recalls the similar OT episode in 2 Kings 4:42-44, where the prophet Elisha multiplied 20 barley loaves (Jn 6:9) to feed 100 men, with some left over (CCC 1335).

• Morally (St. John, Patriarch of Alexandria; Theophylact): the five loaves signify alms given to the poor (cf. 6:2-4). As here, the size of the donation is less significant than the generosity of one’s heart (cf. Lk 21:1-4; 2 Cor 9:6-8). Gifts given to the poor are, in return, multiplied by God back to the giver as treasure in heaven (6:19-21; CCC 1434).

Mt 14:19 | ISB Notes

the disciples gave them: Jesus feeds the crowd k6kJ through the hands of the apostles.

• The disciples’ intermediary role points forward to their priesthood (cf. 15:36). They distribute the bread provided by Jesus in anticipation of the eucharistic liturgy, where the priests of the New Covenant give the Bread of Life as Holy Communion to the Church (1 Cor 10:16; CCC 1329).

Mt 14:25 | ISB Notes

the fourth watch: The 12 hours of the night between 6 P.M. and 6 A.M. were divided into four “watches” (cf. Mk 13:35). This event took place between 3 and 6 A.M. and suggests the disciples were battling the storm most of the night.

walking on the sea: .

Mt 14:27 | ISB Notes

it is I: Literally, “I am.”

• In light of his power over nature, Jesus’ statement may allude to God’s self-revelation at the burning bush (Ex 3:14; cf. Jn 8:58; 18:5, 6). Jesus thus goes beyond reassuring the disciples and claims for himself a divine identity and authority (14:33).

Mt 14:33 | ISB Notes

you are the Son of God: Anticipates the confessions of Jesus’ divinity by Peter (16:16) and the centurion (27:54).