Matthew 14:35-36

The Messianic Signs Continue (14:35-36).

Having fed the new community with ‘bread from Heaven, and having revealed Himself as Lord of sea and storm, thus presenting Himself as their Provider and Protector, Jesus expands His ministry as the Servant Who ‘bore our afflictions and carried our diseases' (Matthew 8:17), as our Healer. He makes whole all who seek Him. By it He indicates the final perfection available in the Kingly Rule of Heaven. For each healing is a physical indication of the spiritual wholeness that will finally be enjoyed by all who are His, and is available to all who reach out to Him. They will be presented holy, unblameable and unreproveable in His sight (Colossians 1:22).

Note how this summary connects back to those in Matthew 4:23; Matthew 8:16; Matthew 9:35; Matthew 14:14. Underlying all that is happening His basic Messianic ministry continues. While on the one hand He faces rejection by the leadership and by various town authorities, His spiritual outreach goes on apace. There are thus many who seek Him and believe on Him.

Analysis.

a When the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought to him all who were sick (Matthew 14:35).

b And they asked him that they might only touch the border of his robe (Matthew 14:36 a).

a And as many as touched were made whole (Matthew 14:36 b).

Note that in ‘a' they brought all who were sick, and in the parallel all were made whole by touching Him. Centrally in ‘b' we find the Source of all their healing, which was theirs by ‘coming and believing' to the bread of life (John 6:35).