Matthew 14

The Death of John

1-2 At about this time, Herod, the regional ruler, heard what was being said about Jesus. He said to his servants, "This has to be John the Baptizer come back from the dead. That's why he's able to work miracles!"

3-5 Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God.

6-12 But at his birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias's daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away. In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted. Already coached by her mother, she was ready: "Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer." That sobered the king up fast. Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it—ordered John's head cut off and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother. Later, John's disciples got the body, gave it a reverent burial, and reported to Jesus.

Supper for Five Thousand

13-14 When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully—someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was. When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.

15 Toward evening the disciples approached him. "We're out in the country and it's getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper."

16 But Jesus said, "There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper."

17 "All we have are five loaves of bread and two fish," they said.

18-21 Jesus said, "Bring them here." Then he had the people sit on the grass. He took the five loaves and two fish, lifted his face to heaven in prayer, blessed, broke, and gave the bread to the disciples. The disciples then gave the food to the congregation. They all ate their fill. They gathered twelve baskets of leftovers. About five thousand were fed.

Walking on the Water

22-23 As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

24-26 Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror.

27 But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid."

28 Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water."

29-30 He said, "Come ahead."
Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!"

31 Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?"

32-33 The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"

34-36 On return, they beached the boat at Gennesaret. When the people got wind that he was back, they sent out word through the neighborhood and rounded up all the sick, who asked for permission to touch the edge of his coat. And whoever touched him was healed.

Matthew 14

1 At that season Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,2 and said unto his servants, This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead; and therefore do these powers work in him.3 For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.4 For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her.5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced in the midst, and pleased Herod.7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she should ask.8 And she, being put forward by her mother, saith, Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.9 And the king was grieved; but for the sake of his oaths, and of them that sat at meat with him, he commanded it to be given;10 and he sent and beheaded John in the prison.11 And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.12 And his disciples came, and took up the corpse, and buried him; and they went and told Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard it, he withdrew from thence in a boat, to a desert place apart: and when the multitudes heard thereof, they followed him on foot from the cities.14 And he came forth, and saw a great multitude, and he had compassion on them, and healed their sick.15 And when even was come, the disciples came to him, saying, The place is desert, and the time is already past; send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food.16 But Jesus said unto them, They have no need to go away; give ye them to eat.17 And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes.18 And he said, Bring them hither to me.19 And he commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and he took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.20 And they all ate, and were filled: and they took up that which remained over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full.21 And they that did eat were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

22 And straightway he constrained the disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side, till he should send the multitudes away.23 And after he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain apart to pray: and when even was come, he was there alone.24 But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, distressed by the waves; for the wind was contrary.25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came unto them, walking upon the sea.26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out for fear.27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee upon the waters.29 And he said, Come. And Peter went down from the boat, and walked upon the waters to come to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, Lord, save me.31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and took hold of him, and saith unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?32 And when they were gone up into the boat, the wind ceased.33 And they that were in the boat worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

34 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land, unto Gennesaret.35 And when the men of that place knew him, they sent into all that region round about, and brought unto him all that were sick,36 and they besought him that they might only touch the border of his garment: and as many as touched were made whole.