1Verse 1. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus
2Verse 2. and 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.”
3Verse 3. Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
4Verse 4. because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
5Verse 5. Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
6Verse 6. On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod
7Verse 7. so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.
8Verse 8. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
9Verse 9. The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted
10Verse 10. and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.
11Verse 11. John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
12Verse 12. Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.
13Verse 13. When 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.
14Verse 14. When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
15Verse 15. When 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.”
16Verse 16. “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”
17Verse 17. “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18Verse 18. “Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.
19Verse 19. And 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.
20Verse 20. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
21Verse 21. About five thousand men were fed, in addition to women and children.
22Verse 22. Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.
23Verse 23. After He had sent them away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,
24Verse 24. but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25Verse 25. During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.
26Verse 26. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
27Verse 27. But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
28Verse 28. “Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”
29Verse 29. “Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.
30Verse 30. But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31Verse 31. Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
32Verse 32. And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.
33Verse 33. Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
34Verse 34. When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
35Verse 35. And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding region. People brought all the sick to Him
36Verse 36. and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.