13 Now when Jesus heard (about the death of the Baptist), he withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed him on foot from the cities.

14 Jesus went out, and he saw a great multitude. He had compassion on them, and healed their sick. 15 When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.”

16 But Jesus said to them, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”

17 They told him, “We only have here five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes. 20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces. 21 Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Matthew 14:13-21 - World English Bible

At times of stress, a person reveals his true character.

When Jesus heard of John's execution, he left to be alone (presumably to grieve), but the people followed him into the countryside. He turned from his loss to teach and feed them, despite the large number. His concern for those seeking the Kingdom outweighed his personal needs. And that concern led to fullness from meager means.

How have you responded in times of stress to the needs of others?

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It’s a ghost!” and they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Cheer up! It is I! Don’t be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”

29 He said, “Come!”

Peter stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”

34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 When the people of that place recognized him, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to him all who were sick; 36 and they begged him that they might just touch the fringe of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

After the multiplication of the loaves and fish, Jesus dismissed the crowd, sent his disciples ahead and returned to grieve for John alone. Between 3:00 and 6:00 AM (fourth watch of the night, Roman tradition), desert winds whipped up a storm on the lake and threatened the boat containing the disciples. Jesus appeared walking on water and announced, “Don't fear! I AM!” This greeting denoted the presence of God, as Job 9:8 stated “He alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.”

Seeing Jesus on the water, Simon Peter wanted to emulate his Master on the water, but failed when he feared the strength of the wind and the size of the waves. He cried out simply because he took his eyes off the Lord and panicked in a situation he felt was overwhelming. The experience of the Lord's appearance and Peter's attempt to walk on water caused awe among the disciples; they responded with a statement of faith and worship.

When they arrived in Gentile territory (Gennesaret), the people recognized Jesus and sought healing for their sick.

In these few verses, Matthew portrayed the presence of Jesus as a divine mission to reveal his power to his disciples and to care for those outside the circle of his followers. As Christians, we have the same task.

How can you show Christ to others this week?