Scripture Guide

Matthew 14:13-21

Author

Jacob Traeger

Keywords (8)

Scripture (12)

Updated

Jun 1, 2023

Preaching Commentary

Context

The feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew occurs within a section where questions of Jesus’ identity are heightened. Two incorrect answers of who Jesus truly is are given in 13:55 (“isn’t this the carpenter’s son?”) and 14:2 (where Herod thinks Jesus is John the Baptist raised from the dead). The feeding is followed immediately (14:22) by the account of Jesus walking on water which culminates with those in the boat worshipping him as the Son of God (14:33). Having presented the second major block of Jesus’ teaching in chapters 10-13, this section of Matthew’s narrative shows Jesus at the height of his healing ministry and culminates in Peter’s declaration of Jesus as the Messiah (16:16) and the transfiguration (17:1-13).

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Author

Jacob Traeger

Jacob Traeger serves as a Church Planter and Mission Facilitator in Canberra, Australia, with the Lutheran Church of Australia. He ministers at Immanuel Woden Valley Lutheran Church, where he is dedicated to helping God’s people embrace their identity as His beloved children and guiding those who have yet to know God toward a relationship with their Creator and Savior. Jacob’s ministry is deeply rooted in the belief that faith is transformative and should permeate every aspect of life.

Beyond his pastoral work, Jacob is a co-host of the podcast A Christian and Buddhist Walk into a Bar. In this unique platform, he and his co-host engage in thought-provoking conversations on theological, spiritual, and cultural topics from their respective faith perspectives. This endeavor highlights Jacob’s passion for fostering dialogue, building bridges across religious and cultural divides, and encouraging mutual understanding.

Jacob’s heart for cross-cultural ministry is evident in his commitment to exploring faith and spirituality in diverse contexts. His approach is shaped by a desire to see people from all walks of life encounter the love of Christ in authentic and meaningful ways.

Jacob met his wife, Kate, during their university years in Adelaide, and their shared faith and love for adventure have been central to their life together. The couple enjoys hiking through Canberra’s picturesque bushland, appreciating the beauty of creation, and spending quality time with friends and family over board games.

Through his ministry, podcasting, and personal life, Jacob strives to live out his faith in both word and action, embodying Christ’s call to love and serve others. His work continues to inspire those he encounters, encouraging them to explore their faith and deepen their connection with God and one another.