Faith In The Storms - Lessons From Matthew 14 Series

2025.06.08. Sermon Notes. FAITH IN THE STORMS - Lessons from Matthew 14

William Akehurst, HSWC

SCRIPTURES: MATTHEW 14:1-36, JOHN 16:33

BIG IDEA: Faith in the Storm. Jesus is sovereign over every need, fear, and circumstance. He alone satisfies, sustains, and saves.

Jesus reveals His power and presence in the midst of life’s storms, calling us to walk by faith, not fear. Trusting God’s Grace, Provision, Compassion, and Healing.

Matthew 14 shares faith, fear, miracles, compassion, and God's sovereignty.

Faith in the Storm: Lessons from Matthew 14

Text: Matthew 14:1–36

I. HEROD AND JOHN THE BAPTIST: A Guilty Conscience (vv. 1–12)

Matthew 14:1-12 John the Baptist Beheaded (Mark 6:14–29; Luke 9:7–9)

A. Herod’s Fear (vv. 1–2)

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus

2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”

“Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus”

• Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, was the tetrarch of Galilee. Though not a king, he craved power and influence.

• Herod hears about Jesus and fears His growing influence.

“This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead…”

• When he heard about Jesus, his conscience ignited with fear. He believed Jesus was John the Baptist resurrected to haunt him.

• Guilt, superstition, and a tormented conscience distorted his perception.

POINT: When sin is unrepented, fear takes the place of faith. A guilty conscience sees judgment even in the grace of God.

B. Herod’s Sin and Cowardice (vv. 3–5)

3 For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

“It is not lawful for you to have her.”

• John boldly confronted Herod’s immoral relationship with Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

• Herodias despised the prophet. Herod feared the people’s opinion more than God’s truth—so he imprisoned John but hesitated to execute him.

POINT: A guilty conscience is a poor leader, and people-pleasing can silence the voice of conviction.

C. Herod’s Cowardly Murder (vv. 6–12)

6 But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7 Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

8 So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.”

9 And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

“the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod”

• Herodias’ daughter danced—a seductive display meant to entrap Herod.

• In his lust and pride, Herod made a reckless promise. When she asked for John’s head, he was sorry but went through with it to save face.

“Because of the oaths and those who sat with him…”

• John’s head was brought on a platter. A prophet silenced, not by argument, but by manipulation and fear. John was beheaded for standing on truth.

POINT: Beware the deadly combination of lust, pride, and weak leadership. When we fear people more than God, we will do things we know are wrong.

POINT: Even the greatest servants of God face suffering and loss.

• John’s unwavering stand for truth cost him his life.

• Standing for truth often comes with a cost.

• God’s work can be opposed by worldly powers.

• Evil may seem to prevail for a moment, but God’s justice is never absent.

APPLICATION:

• Be faithful in your calling, even when it’s costly.

• Stay faithful even when opposition arises.

• Trust God's plan even when His silence feels painful. Trust God's sovereignty in hard times.

John 16:33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

DISCUSSION

Facing Opposition (John the Baptist’s Story)

• How does John’s faithfulness in the face of danger challenge you in your own walk?

• What are some ways we can remain faithful when standing up for truth seems costly?

D. John’s Disciples Honor Him (v. 12)

12 Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.