Matthew 14: The Confrontation between Jesus and Herod - The Editor of Matthew

Matthew 14: The Confrontation between Jesus and Herod -  The Editor of Matthew

vv. 1-2. At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, and he said to his attendants, "This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

vv. 14-16. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."

The editor of Matthew, referencing Mark's material, places different events right before the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. While the editor of Mark positions the event after the disciples' missionary reports, Matthew's editor places it after the news of John the Baptist's execution. This arrangement by Matthew's editor suggests that Jesus performed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand as a bold statement against Herod, who had executed John the Baptist. It subtly reveals Herod's fear of Jesus, whom he believed to be the resurrected John. The editor of Matthew expands the narrative to include Jesus' confrontation with political power, Herod, in addition to his disputes with religious authorities like the Pharisees and scribes. The Gospels portray Jesus as a figure who, by challenging both religious and political powers, ultimately faces crucifixion. Jesus' actions were not just a nuisance but a threat to these authorities. Whether Jesus intentionally opposed them or his ministry naturally provoked them due to its popularity is worth pondering. Jesus primarily ministered to the marginalized. His companions were more often the poor, the caught in adultery, and the sick than the wealthy capable of hosting feasts. Solidarity with the marginalized does not fit the dominant-subordinate dynamic, which is more suited to acts of charity from the strong to the weak. Temporary happiness should be a gift from the strong to the weak, as it maintains the status quo. However, Jesus chose to befriend the marginalized, making him a target for those in power. John the Baptist had criticized Herod for taking his brother's wife, leading to John's execution. To dismiss Herod as a tetrarch lacking political acumen is to underestimate him; Herod eliminated John because the people's allegiance to John threatened his power. Let's not forget that Jesus called Herod a "fox." The appropriate response to such a Herod is to boldly perform miracles. If they had maintained a moderate stance, neither John the Baptist nor Jesus would have died. However, they challenged Herod with the people's support, choosing martyrdom. Though the people's favor is often equated with divine favor, heaven ironically allowed those who won the people's hearts to be killed. The feeding of the five thousand can be interpreted in many ways. The editor of Matthew positions Jesus' confrontation with Herod, framing it with the news of John the Baptist's execution, right before the miracle.