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Jake Maxwell: Even Better (Matthew 14:13-21)
Jake Maxwell, senior pastor of Second Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas, begins with a twist, pointing back to Herod having John the Baptist beheaded, as background to Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. He opposes Herod’s narcissism to Jesus’ withdrawal; Herod’s hedonism to Jesus’ praying.
The bounty of life in Jesus follows the darkness of John’s death. The abundance available in Jesus contrasts the excess of Herod. In this light, the feeding of the 5,000 is even better than a miracle.
This sermon was delivered on Aug. 2, 2020, for the morning worship services of Second Baptist Church in Lubbock. Matthew 14:13-21 is the gospel reading for Proper 13, or the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, in the Revised Common Lectionary.
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