Matthew 14:32 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

NIV: And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

NASB: When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.

CSB: When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

NLT: When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.

KJV: And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.

NKJV: And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

The disciples had seen Jesus shut down a dangerous storm at least once before (Matthew 8:23–27). That storm was so bad they all feared for their lives while Jesus napped. When He woke up, Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea and suddenly there was great calm. He said they were men of little faith. They asked each other "what kind of man is this?"

Now something similar happens. As soon as Jesus and Peter climb into the boat (Matthew 14:26–31), the wind stops dead. The disciples had rowed against that wind into the early hours of the morning trying to get to the other side of the Galilee. This was at Jesus' command (Matthew 14:22). As soon as Jesus entered their boat, the wind stopped. Peace was restored. Their response to these displays of God's power in Jesus will be different than asking who He is. Now they know.

Matthew 14:22–33 contains the miracle of Jesus walking on the water. Immediately after feeding thousands of people from a single small portion, Jesus goes up to a mountain to pray. The disciples spend a long night rowing against a strong wind. Jesus walks across the lake to meet them. Peter walks on the water with Jesus briefly before becoming afraid of the wind and waves and beginning to sink. Jesus saves Peter and asks why he doubted. The wind stops when Jesus gets in the boat, and the disciples worship Him as the Son of God.

Matthew 14 begins with a backstory about the arrest and execution of John the Baptist by Herod the tetrarch, the Jewish ruler of the region. Jesus and the disciples take a boat to a desolate place only to find crowds waiting. Jesus heals many and then feeds as many as twenty thousand people with five loaves and two fish. Later, the disciples row against a strong wind until Jesus walks on the water to meet them and calm the wind. Peter walks on water briefly and then doubts and begins to sink. The disciples worship Jesus. On the other side of the lake, Jesus continues to heal the sick.

Matthew 13 included more of Jesus' parables and an unfortunate incident where His own hometown rejected His ministry. Chapter 14 begins with news that Herod the tetrarch—the man who killed John the Baptist—is aware of Jesus' fame and power. Jesus and the disciples intend to withdraw to somewhere desolate, but a crowd is waiting for them. Jesus heals people, miraculously feeds thousands, and walks on water. When they reach the other side, Jesus heals more people. Chapter 15 sees Jesus once again debating with His critics and performing more healings.

The Gospel of Matthew clearly shows the influence of its writer's background, and his effort to reach a specific audience. Matthew was one of Jesus' twelve disciples, a Jewish man, and a former tax collector. This profession would have required literacy, and Matthew may have transcribed some of Jesus' words as they were spoken. This book is filled with references to the Old Testament, demonstrating to Israel that Jesus is the Promised One. Matthew also includes many references to coins, likely due to his former profession. Matthew records extensive accounts of Jesus' teaching, more than the other three Gospels.

Accessed 11/21/2024 9:42:23 AM