Question 1

Why did Herod have John the Baptist put in prison and killed?

Accepted Answer

Herod arrested John because John openly told him, “It is not lawful for thee to have her,” speaking of Herod’s taking his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias. Herod wanted to quiet this rebuke, and Herodias held a deep grudge. At Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’ daughter danced and pleased him, and he made a rash oath to give her whatever she asked. Prompted by her mother, she requested John’s head on a platter. Though Herod was sorry and afraid of the people, he chose his pride and his oath over doing what was right and ordered John’s execution.

Question 2

What does John the Baptist’s death show about following God’s truth?

Accepted Answer

John’s death shows that speaking God’s truth can be costly. He did not change his message even when it meant confronting a ruler about clear sin. He ended up in prison and then was killed, not because he did wrong, but because he was faithful. This passage reminds us that God’s servants may face hatred and pressure when they confront sin, especially in powerful people. Yet John’s boldness also shows what it looks like to fear God more than people, trusting that God’s word will go on even when His messengers suffer.

Question 3

What is the meaning of Jesus feeding about five thousand with five loaves and two fish?

Accepted Answer

The feeding of the five thousand shows Jesus’ deep compassion and His power to provide. The crowd followed Him to a lonely place, and instead of sending them away, He said, “They need not depart; give ye them to eat.” With only five loaves and two fish, He looked up to heaven, blessed, broke, and gave the food, and everyone ate and was filled, with twelve baskets of leftovers. It shows that when people seek Him, He can meet their needs, and that His provision is not small or stingy but more than enough.

Question 4

Why did Jesus walk on the sea to His disciples during the storm?

Accepted Answer

The disciples were in the middle of the sea, fighting strong waves and contrary wind, after Jesus had sent them ahead and gone up the mountain to pray. In the fourth watch of the night, when they were tired and afraid, He came to them walking on the water. This showed His power over creation and that He had not forgotten them. They thought He was a spirit and cried out, but He spoke, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.” His coming in that hard moment shows that He draws near in trouble and is Lord over the storm.

Question 5

What does Peter walking on the water and then sinking teach about faith and doubt?

Accepted Answer

Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” When Jesus said, “Come,” Peter stepped out of the ship and actually walked on the water toward Him. But when Peter saw the strong wind, he became afraid, began to sink, and cried, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out, caught him, and said, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” This shows that faith looks to Jesus and can face even storms, but when we fix our eyes on our fears, we sink. Yet when we cry to Him, He quickly helps and holds us up.

Question 6

Why did those in the ship worship Jesus and say, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God”?

Accepted Answer

After Jesus and Peter got into the ship, the wind stopped. The disciples had just seen Him walk on the sea, call Peter to do the same, save Peter from sinking, and then calm the storm simply by His presence. These acts showed a power that belongs to God alone. Their fear turned to awe, and they responded by worshipping Him and confessing, “Of a truth thou art the Son of God.” Their words show that these miracles were not just useful signs, but clear pointers to who Jesus really is, worthy of trust and worship.

Question 7

What is the significance of people in Gennesaret touching the hem of Jesus’ garment?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus reached the land of Gennesaret, the men there recognized Him and quickly sent word through the whole area. People brought all who were sick and begged that they might only touch the hem of His garment. The passage says that as many as touched were made perfectly whole. This shows both the people’s faith and Jesus’ kindness. They believed that even a touch of His clothing, with trust in Him, was enough. It also shows that His healing power is not limited to a few; He gladly receives all who come to Him aware of their need.

Question 8

How does this passage show the difference between Herod’s power and Jesus’ authority?

Accepted Answer

Herod has earthly power, a title, a prison, and soldiers, yet he is trapped by his own lust, fear of the crowd, and the pressure of guests at his feast. His rule leads to the unjust death of a righteous man. Jesus, by contrast, has no palace or army, yet He feeds thousands in a desert place, walks on the sea, calms the wind, and heals all who come. Herod uses power to protect himself and please others. Jesus uses authority to show compassion, rescue His followers, and make broken people whole.

Question 9

How can this passage guide believers when they face fear, pressure, or need today?

Accepted Answer

This passage holds together hard and hopeful truths. John’s death reminds believers that standing for what is right may bring loss and pushback, even from those in power. At the same time, Jesus’ actions show that He sees people’s needs, supplies daily bread, meets them in the storms, and answers desperate cries like Peter’s, “Lord, save me.” When you face pressure to compromise, remember John’s courage. When you feel overwhelmed or afraid, remember Jesus’ words, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid,” and trust that His hand is near.

Matthew 14:1

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

The Beheading of John

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Jesus Walks on Water

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

The Beheading of John

Cross References

Matthew 14:1

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

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The Beheading of John

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