Grief Is Not a Lack of Faith
Thank you for spending time with us again. Today, we’re reading Matthew chapters 14–16.
I’ve heard countless sermons on the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000. For years, I thought they were retellings of the same story with different headcounts. But they’re distinct events — and while they’re often taught as miracles of provision, today I saw something deeper: the bread. A substance of our faith.
In Matthew 14:12–13, Jesus hears of John the Baptist’s death and withdraws to Bethsaida to grieve. John was His cousin, His friend, and a faithful servant of God. Jesus knew John was now with the Father — and yet He still needed solitude. That’s not weakness. That’s love.
As believers, we sometimes feel pressure to “perform” our faith when we lose someone. Shouldn’t we be rejoicing that they’re home with the Lord? But grief is not a failure of faith. It’s a reflection of love. Jesus shows us it’s okay to mourn. I still miss my mother, who passed twenty-eight years ago. That absence never heals. Jesus needed solitude. So do we (1).
Miracles amid Mourning
Then the crowd comes. The interruption of his mourning could have irritated Jesus. Instead, He shows compassion. He heals their sick and feeds 5,000 men and their families with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:14–21). Even the leftovers exceeded the original supply (v. 20).
Later, He walks on water to His disciples (Matthew 14:25). Peter steps out in faith but then sinks. Jesus catches him and asks, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (v. 31). These miracles weren’t just about provision — they were about trust.
Distracted Faith
We often place our faith in objects — like touching His robe (Matthew 14:36). That’s still faith, but it’s distracted. We want a sign, a relic, a symbol. Even the cross can become an idol if we forget that Jesus Himself is the miracle.
In Matthew 15:1–9, the Pharisees criticize the disciples for not washing their hands. Jesus responds, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me” (v. 8, NIV). They focused on ritual, not repentance. Like those who touched His cloak, they missed the point — being with Jesus is what matters.
Bread for the Gentiles
In Matthew 15:21–28, Jesus heals the Canaanite woman’s daughter, saying, “Woman, you have great faith!” (v. 28). Although God sent Jesus to the Jews, this moment reveals that faith would extend salvation to the Gentiles.
Then another crowd gathers. Jesus tells His disciples to feed them. They had just seen Him do this — yet they ask, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place?” (Matthew 15:33). Did they think He had sent someone to Bethsaida for supplies?
This doubt echoes Herod’s weakness in Matthew 14:8–11. Influenced by others, Herod orders John’s execution. When we let others shape our convictions, our faith suffers. The Pharisees demand signs (Matthew 16:1–4), but Jesus warns them — and us — not to be swayed by false teaching.
The Yeast
Jesus tells His disciples, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matthew 16:6). They think He’s talking about bread. He clarifies: “How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread?” (v. 11). He’s talking about faith — and how false teaching corrupts it, like yeast in dough (2).
The Question
Then Jesus asks the million-dollar question: “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15). Peter replies, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). That’s the answer we all must give — not just once, but daily.
Our belief doesn’t make Jesus God. He is God. But our faith in Him can make us walk on water. It can multiply what little we have. It can sustain us through grief, doubt, and distraction.
So stop worrying if you have enough money, time, or faith. Ask yourself: Who is Jesus to me? Is He your Lord and Savior?
Tomorrow, we will read Matthew 17-19.
Footnotes
“Matthew 14:13–Jesus Grieves,” Bible Repository, https://biblerepository.com/matthew-1413/.
“Matthew 16:6–12–Yeast of the Pharisees,” God’s Blessing Commentary, https://godsbless.ing/commentary/matthew/matthew_16_6-12/.