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The Beheading of John

Verse1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus

Verse2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

Verse3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

Verse4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

Verse5Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.

Verse6On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod

Verse7so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

Verse8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

Verse9The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted

Verse10and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.

Verse11John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.

Verse12Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

Verse13When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.

Verse14When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

Verse15When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”

Verse16“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”

Verse17“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

Verse18“Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.

Verse19And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Verse20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Verse21About five thousand men were fed, besides women and children.

Jesus Walks on Water

Verse22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.

Verse23After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,

Verse24but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Verse25During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.

Verse26When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.

Verse27But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”

Verse28“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”

Verse29“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.

Verse30But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Verse31Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”

Verse32And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.

Verse33Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

Verse34When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

Verse35And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding region. People brought all the sick to Him

Verse36and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.