1 At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the news about Jesus.

2 He told his servants: »This is John the Baptist, raised from the dead. That explains the power working in him.«

3 Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife.

4 For John had said to him: »It is not lawful for you to have her.«

5 Herod wanted to put him to death but he feared the people since they believed John was a prophet.

6 It was Herod’s birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced for him and pleased him.

7 So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.

8 Prompted by her mother, she said: »Give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter.«

9 The king was grieved. He gave his oath and many were watching so he commanded that it be done.

10 He gave the order to behead John in prison.

11 His head was brought on a platter to the young lady. She in turn gave it to her mother.

12 John the Baptist’s disciples took the corpse and buried him, and then came and told Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard it, he left in a boat to a secluded place. The crowds heard this and followed him on foot from the cities.

14 He saw the great crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

15 Evening came and the disciples approached Jesus and said: »This place is desolate. Send the people away so they may go to the villages and buy themselves food.«

16 Jesus told them: »They have no need to go away: you feed them.«

17 They remarked: »We have only five loaves, and two fishes.«

18 »Bring them to me,« Jesus replied.

19 He commanded the crowd to sit down on the grass. Then he prayed. He gave the five loaves and two fishes to the disciples to distribute to the crowd.

20 And they all had plenty to eat. In fact they had twelve baskets full of food left over.

21 About five thousand men, plus women and children ate.

22 Jesus sent the disciples in a boat to the other side of the sea. He stayed there until he sent the crowd away.

23 After sending the crowd away, he went to the mountain to pray by himself. He was there alone that night.

24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea. The wind and the waves caused great trouble.

25 Just before morning, Jesus walked to them on the water.

26 When they saw him walking on the water they were troubled. »It is a spirit apparitionillusion!« they screamed! They cried out with fear.

27 At once Jesus said: »It is I; do not be afraid.«

28 Peter said to him: »Lord, if it is you, give me the order to come to you on the water.«

29 He said: »Come.« Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

30 When he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid. He began to sink, and cried: »Help me Lord!«

31 Suddenly, Jesus put out his hand and took hold of him, and said: »You of little faith, why were you in doubt?«

32 The wind went down when they got into the boat.

33 Those on the boat loved him intensely, saying: »Truly, you are the Son of God!«

34 They came to land at Gennesaret.

35 When the men of that place heard the news about Jesus they told everyone in the country. The sick were taken to him.

36 They wanted to touch his robe to be made well.