Big Idea: Matthew shows Jesus to be worthy of trust as the Son of God, as he acts in compassion and authority to heal the sick, feed hungry crowds, and even walk on the sea.

Understanding the Text

Matthew narrates Jesus healing the sick, feeding the five thousand, and walking on the water to demonstrate Jesus’ authority over sickness and even the natural elements. Through these miracles Matthew reaffirms Jesus’ identity as the Messiah (“Son of God” [14:33]). The evangelist has already emphasized Jesus’ authority and compassion through healings and miracles in chapters 8–9. In chapters 11–16 he makes more explicit Jesus’ messianic identity demonstrated through these actions (see 11:2–5). The feeding of a large crowd (five thousand men along with women and children) is the first of two suc…