Sunday Pentecost 20

October 18, 2009

In the reading for today Matthew takes us back to John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12) and describes how he was murdered for the sake of keeping King Herod's honor before his banquet guests. He had promised the daughter of Herodias (Herod's unlawful wife) that he would give her anything, up to half of his kingdom, because she had danced so provocatively for him and his guests. When she asked her mother what she should ask from the king, her mother, who bore a grudge against John for preaching about the sin of her marrying her husband's brother, she instructs her daughter to ask for the head of the Baptizer. She does as her mother instructs her and John the Baptizer is murdered.

After hearing about this Jesus withdraws to a desolate place but the crowds relentlessly follow Him. And when evening fell and the people had no food Jesus multiplies five loaves of bread and two fish with the result that all the people are well fed and satisfied.

This lesson emphasizes the monumental shift that takes place after the death of the Baptizer. The Old order has passed away and the new order has arisen. Jesus now takes on the role of the Messiah in full order as He supplies food for His people much like Moses in the wilderness wanderings.