Matthew, 14
3. Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
3. Now it was Herod who had arrested John, chained him up and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
Chapter 14 of Matthew tells the death of John the Baptist, the famous miracle of the multiplication of bread and fish performed by Jesus, and the walk of Jesus over the waters. The verses selected below are related to the themes of death, food and faith.
Psalm 34:19: "There are many afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from all." This verse can be related to the death of John the Baptist, who was beheaded by Herod. Although John has suffered a violent death, God is able to rid the righteous of all afflictions.
1 Corinthians 10:16: "Is the bread we departed, is not the communion of the body of Christ?" This verse can be related to the multiplication of bread and fish by Jesus, which provided food to the crowd. Physical food is important, but we can also be spiritually fed by communion with Christ.
Hebrews 11:6: "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because it is necessary that he who approaches God believes that he exists and who is a rewarding of those who seek Him." This verse can be related to Jesus' walk over the waters. Peter had faith to walk on the water too, but when he began to doubt, he began to sink. Faith is necessary to please God and achieve things impossible for human eyes.
Philippians 4:19: "My God, according to His riches, will supply all your needs in glory by Christ Jesus." This verse can be related to the multiplication of bread and fish. Although the crowd was hungry, Jesus was able to meet all his needs with just a few breads and fish. God is able to meet all our needs, even when it seems impossible.
Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, principalists, nor future things, nor potestes, height, nor depth, nor any other creature It can separate us from the love of God, who is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " This verse can be related to the death of John the Baptist and faith in God. Even when we face death and other difficulties, nothing can separate us from God's love.
“Onde há mais sacrifício, há mais generosidade.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina