Understanding Matthew 14:35

Bible Verse: Matthew 14:35 - "And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased."

Bible Verse Explanation

The verse Matthew 14:35 illustrates the response of the people to the miraculous works of Jesus. This passage occurs in the context after Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5,000 and subsequently walks on water. The local people, recognizing Jesus’ divine power, take action by bringing the sick to Him.

Bible Verse Interpretations

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the faith of the people in seeking Jesus. Their knowledge of His abilities prompted them to share news of Him far and wide, showcasing a community eager for healing and hope.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that this incident reflects the authority that Jesus had established even among the Gentiles. Their initiative to bring the sick to Him emphasizes the necessity of faith and the recognition of Jesus as a healer.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke elaborates on the cultural implications, suggesting that the act of spreading the word indicates a deep yearning for healing and the understanding of Jesus’ role as the Messiah.

Key Themes and Insights

This verse sheds light on several important themes in Scripture:

• Faith and Recognition: The people had faith in Jesus’ ability to heal; their actions reflect a recognition of His authority.
• Community Outreach: The urgency with which they brought the sick illustrates the communal nature of their faith, encouraging one another to seek healing through Christ.
• Jesus as the Healer: This passage highlights one of the key aspects of Jesus’ ministry—His compassion towards the afflicted and His power to heal.

Application of the Verse

For modern readers, Matthew 14:35 serves as a powerful reminder of our role in sharing the message of Jesus with others, especially those who may be suffering. As believers, we are called to reach out to the broken and bring them to the source of healing—Jesus Christ.

Bible Verse Commentary

Commentaries provide deeper insights into the historical and theological context of Scriptures. Matthew 14:35 illustrates how Jesus’ notoriety was spreading—not just because of his miracles but due to the impact of those miracles on ordinary people.

Cross References

• Matthew 9:35: "And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people."
• Mark 1:34: "And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him."
• Luke 6:17-19: "And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all."

Conclusion

Matthew 14:35 not only captures a moment of miraculous healing but also encourages believers today to act in faith. Understanding this verse allows for a rich application of its truths in our lives, fostering a spirit of outreach and healing in our communities. As we delve deeper into Scripture analysis, let us continue to seek the comprehensive meaning of Bible verses, drawing insights from esteemed commentaries and applying them to our daily walk with Christ.