V.1-2 Herod, the Roman Provincial Governor, was able to say correct things about the political affairs of Israel, but he did not know the truth of spiritual matters.
V.3-12 A true picture of the heart of an unsaved person. Herod puts his own glory first. Then he rids himself of the man (John) who gave him a bad conscience. A good conscience makes us calm and quiet. Herod’s bad conscience kept reminding him of John whom he had murdered. The works of Jesus made Herod think that John was risen from the dead, and the thought filled him with terror.
V.13-14 What a contrast with the tender heart of Jesus. Herod was a murderer, Jesus was a healer.
V.15-21 The third view of hearts — the disciples. They had not learned much from Jesus. “Send the people away,” say His disciples. “Bring them ... to me,” Jesus responds. The disciples were looking at the problem, not at the Person.
V.22-33 Beautiful instruction as to the works of the Lord Jesus in heaven now. First, He sustained Peter on the water — that is like the work the Lord Jesus is doing in heaven as our great High Priest. He is praying for us and keeping us in communion with God (Heb. 4:14). He is praying for us and keeping us in communion with God (Hebrews 7:25; 9:24). But when Peter sinks because he sees the waves and is afraid, the Lord immediately is beside him, and lifts him up. This illustrates the second work, and that is, the Lord Jesus as our Advocate. He acts as such when we sin or fail (1 John 2:1). The Lord Jesus now in heaven is both our High Priest (keeping us in communion) and Advocate (when we sin). The word “advocate” means “one who pleads for another” — like a lawyer.