Matthew 14-16

• Death of John the Baptist (14:1-11)
• It all arose from revenge for John not agreeing Herrod with wife, hence wife asked the daughter to behead him. (v8,11)
• Did Jesus want some time out? (v13)
• He had compassion on them though. (v14) Putting others' need first.
• Five loaves two fish became twelve basket-full always is facinating if you think closely. (v16-21) 5000 men excluding women and children
• Only now did he get some time to himself (v23)
• Jesus walks on water (v24-32): Often we are like Peter when we are walking our Christian life. We ask for Jesus' approval (v28), he grants (v29), we step forward to do it but often get clouded by the worries (winds) around us (v30) and we lose confidence. Jesus assures that he is there to reach us if anything happens (v31)

it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.

-- Matthew 15:11

• Jesus explains: But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (v18-19)
• Why did Jesus reject the Canaanite woman? She acknowledged him as Lord and son of David. Why was Jesus so exclusive here? (v22-24) Was he just making it clear that he is the Savior promised for Israel, hence he said this?
• Israel = children; Gentiles=dog? (v26)
• Her faith was tested. (v28)
• Performs miracle again (v31-39)

• No sign is to be given except of Jonah (16:4)
• Is he indicating the parallel of his resurrection?
• Many people get asked the question of who Jesus is. (v13) Peter gives a general answer (v14) but Jesus is concerned about what his personal response is (v15). That goes with us too.
• The most debated verse between Catholics and Christians (16:18) - The focus is on Jesus with the "I" and "my", not Peter. (Ephesians 2:20)

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

-- Matthew 16:24-26