Matthew 14:14
When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he saw them as "sheep without a shepherd." This image reveals his deep concern wasn't just for their physical ailments, but for their spiritual lostness, showing his heart as a true shepherd for his flock.
After hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place, but vast crowds followed him on foot. As Jesus disembarked, he saw this huge multitude and was deeply moved by their need, immediately healing those who were sick among them before teaching them and later miraculously feeding them.
Jesus saw the crowds, not as an inconvenience, but as souls in need. What does this reveal about His heart and our purpose?
When Jesus 'went ashore,' He didn't see a logistical problem of a large crowd; He saw a spiritual crisis. The text says He 'had compassion on them.' This wasn't just a fleeting feeling; it was a deep, gut-level empathy. The original language paints a picture of His innermost being being stirred at the sight of their need.
Why 'as sheep without a shepherd'?
Jesus didn't just meet physical needs; His compassion encompassed the whole person. What does this wholistic care teach us?
The verse states Jesus 'healed their sick.' This was a powerful demonstration of God's kingdom breaking into the present reality. It wasn't merely a display of power, but a tangible expression of His compassion.
More Than Just Physical Restoration:
Understand the original words
splagchnizomai · Greek Verb
Used to describe a profound, visceral stirring of the emotions, typically attributed to Jesus. It denotes an active, outward-moving pity that leads directly to gracious action or relief for those suffering.
therapeuō · Greek Verb
To make whole or restore to health. Biblically, this encompasses the restoration of the physical body, but also symbolically points toward the deeper restoration and shalom that Jesus brings to humanity through his messianic ministry.
arrōstos · Greek Adjective/Noun
Refers to those suffering from physical illness or weakness. In the Gospel accounts, the sick are frequent recipients of Jesus' mercy, highlighting his authority over the effects of the Fall and demonstrating his identity as the Healer promised in prophecy.
The compassion Jesus shows in healing the sick in Matthew 14:14 is deeply rooted in his awareness of the people's spiritual destitution, seeing them 'as sheep having no shepherd' due to the failures of the religious leaders.
c. AD 28-30
John the Baptist's Ministry and Death
John the Baptist preached repentance and baptized many, including Jesus. He was eventually imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas, a death that likely prompted Jesus to withdraw for a time.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Withdraws to a Solitary Place
Following the news of John the Baptist's death, Jesus boarded a boat to seek a quiet place to grieve and instruct his disciples, intending to avoid public attention.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Crowds Follow Jesus by Land
Despite Jesus' attempt to withdraw, large crowds of people, hearing of his whereabouts, followed him on foot, gathering to hear him and seek healing.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus Heals the Sick
Upon seeing the great multitude, Jesus was filled with compassion and began to heal their sick, addressing their immediate physical needs.
This passage describes the suffering servant, who was 'despised and rejected by men,' highlighting Jesus' empathy for the downtrodden and rejected.
Matthew 9:36This verse directly parallels Matthew 14:14, stating Jesus had compassion on the crowds 'because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd,' providing the direct context for His empathy.
Luke 7:13In the story of the widow of Nain, Jesus' compassion is again evident as He stops the funeral procession and raises her son, showing His deep concern for those experiencing grief and loss.
Psalm 107:9This Psalm speaks of God satisfying the thirsty and filling the hungry with good things, reflecting Jesus' compassionate act of feeding the multitude, showing God's provision for physical needs.
calvinMatthew 14:13-21: "When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities."
- When Jesus heard this, he departed thence to a ship to a desert place apart; and when the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot out of the cities. 14. And Jesus, when leaving (the ship,) saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion towards them, and healed of such of them as were diseased. 15. A…
barnesMatthew 14:14: "And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick."
Was moved with compassion - That is, pitied them. Mark 6:34 says he was moved with compassion because they were as sheep having no shepherd. A shepherd is one who takes care of a flock. It was his duty to feed it; to defend it from wolves and other wild beasts; to take care of the young and feeble; to lead it by green pastures and still waters, Psalm 23:1-6. In…
Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he saw them as "sheep without a shepherd." This image reveals his deep concern wasn't just for their physical ailments, but for their spiritual lostness, showing his heart as a true shepherd for his flock.
After hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place, but vast crowds followed him on foot. As Jesus disembarked, he saw this huge multitude and was deeply moved by their need, immediately healing those who were sick among them before teaching them and later miraculously feeding them.
After hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdrew by boat to a solitary place, but vast crowds followed him on foot. As Jesus disembarked, he saw this huge multitude and was deeply moved by their need, immediately healing those who were sick among them before teaching them and later miraculously feeding them.
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c. AD 28-30
Disciples' Concern for Food
As evening approached, the disciples, realizing the remote location and the crowd's hunger, urged Jesus to send the people away to buy food.
c. AD 28-30
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed over five thousand men, plus women and children, demonstrating his divine power and care.
"When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick." — Jesus didn't just see a crowd; he saw them as "sheep without a shepherd." This image reveals his deep concern wasn't just for their physical ailments, but for their spiritual lostness, showing his he…
