1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus, 2and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead; and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3For when Herod had John arrested, he bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. 4For John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they regarded him as a prophet. 6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. 7Thereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8And having been prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9And although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. 10And he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 11And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl; and she brought it to her mother. 12And his disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus.

Five Thousand Fed

     13Now when Jesus heard it, He withdrew from there in a boat, to a lonely place by Himself; and when the multitudes heard of this, they followed Him on foot from the cities. 14And when He went ashore, He saw a great multitude, and felt compassion for them, and healed their sick. 15And when it was evening, the disciples came to Him, saying, “The place is desolate, and the time is already past; so send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” 16But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away; you give them something to eat!” 17And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” 18And He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19And ordering the multitudes to recline on the grass, He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up toward heaven, He blessed the food, and breaking the loaves He gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes, 20and they all ate, and were satisfied. And they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve full baskets. 21And there were about five thousand men who ate, aside from women and children.

Jesus Walks on the Water

     22And immediately He made the disciples get into the boat, and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23And after He had sent the multitudes away, He went up to the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. 24But the boat was already many stadia away from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. 25And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were frightened, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30But seeing the wind, he became afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped. 33And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

     34And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent into all that surrounding district and brought to Him all who were sick; 36and they began to entreat Him that they might just touch the fringe of His cloak; and as many as touched it were cured.