Book of Matthew - Chapter 14 - Verse 2

When Jesus' disciples heard that some people were saying that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, they were astonished. The belief in a resurrection was a common one during that time, so it is not surprising that people thought John had come back to life. However, the disciples knew the truth - that John had been killed by King Herod. The statement that mighty works were being shown through John implies that the people believed that John's spirit or essence was now working through another person, possibly Jesus himself. This shows the high regard and reverence that the people had for John the Baptist, considering him to be a person of great power, even in death. It also foreshadows the miracles and wonders that Jesus would go on to perform, as his followers believed that the same divine power that was in John was now manifesting through Jesus.

In this verse, there is a theological interpretation that delves into the belief in resurrection and the power of God. The statement "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead" is significant because it demonstrates the disciples' understanding that John the Baptist had been raised from the dead. This belief in resurrection showcases the disciples' faith in the miraculous power of God, as they attribute the mighty works being performed by Jesus to the resurrection of John the Baptist. The idea that John the Baptist had risen from the dead and was continuing to do mighty works through Jesus reinforces the theme of divine intervention and the continuity of God's work through His chosen servants. This interpretation highlights the disciples' recognition of the supernatural abilities of Jesus and John the Baptist, emphasizing the significance of their roles in God's plan for salvation.