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In today's reading [[Jesus]] is withdrawing from the multitudes and spending more time alone with His disciples, preparing them for His [[crucifixion]]. We must keep in mind that even the disciples, at this point, were thinking of an earthly and political kingdom, and they did not understand [[Jesus]]' teaching about the cross. It was necessary, therefore, that [[Jesus]] prepare them for this great testing experience.
There are three main sections in [[Bible:Matthew 14:14|chapter 14]]: (1) The [[death]] of [[John]] the Baptist [[Bible:Matthew 14:1|verses 1-12)]]. (2) The feeding of the 5,000 ([[Bible:Matthew 14:13|verses 13-21]]). (3) The miracle of the storm ([[Bible:Matthew 14:22|verses 22-36]]). There are also three characteristics of this present age in relation to the servants of [[God]]: (1) Persecution ([[Bible:Matthew 14:1|verses 1-12)]]--Christ's servants will suffer and die for Him. (2) Provision ([[Bible:Matthew 14:13|verses 13-21]])--Christ's servants will administer the Bread of Life to men. (3) Protection ([[Bible:Matthew 14:22|verses 22-36]])--Christ will [[pray]] for His servants and rescue them.
In [[Matthew 15|chapter 15]] [[Jesus]] is withdrawing from the Pharisees ([[Bible:Matthew 15:21|verse 21]]) into the region of Tyre and Sidon; from there into Galilee ([[Bible:Matthew 15:29|verse 29]]); and, finally, from Galilee to the coast of Magdala ([[Bible:Matthew 15:39|verse 39]]). Keep in mind that during this period He was avoiding open trouble with Jewish leaders, while continuing to teach His disciples and prepare them for His [[death]] on the cross. [[Bible:Matthew 15:1|Verses 1-20]] should be labeled, "Truth versus Tradition," and verses [[Bible:Matthew 15:21|21-39]], "[[Jesus]] and the [[Gentiles]].".
