Matthew 14:34 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

NIV: When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

NASB: When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.

CSB: When they had crossed over, they came to shore at Gennesaret.

NLT: After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.

KJV: And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

NKJV: When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.

The disciples were recently in the region of Bethsaida, on the northeast shore of Galilee. After Jesus fed thousands in a miraculous display of power (Matthew 14:13–21), He commanded the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee by boat (Matthew 14:22). He then walked on water to meet them, as they struggled against a heavy wind (Matthew 14:24–32). After a long night, the disciples, along with Jesus, finally reach the other side. The disciples may be exhausted, but they are also fully convinced that Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 14:33).

Now they arrive at Gennesaret on the northwest shore of the lake. Gennesaret is said to be a fertile plain of prime land southwest of Capernaum. Jesus is famous there, as well.

Matthew 14:34–36 finds Jesus and the disciples finally arriving at Gennesaret after their long night on the Sea of Galilee. The people of the region recognize Jesus and gather the sick and afflicted to be healed by Him. They beg Jesus to allow them to touch the fringe of His garment so they can be healed. All who do so are made well.

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 10:16:21 AM