Account of John the Baptist's death1About that time Herod, the district ruler, heard reports about Jesus2and said to his staff: "This must be John the Baptist risen from the dead. This is why such miraculous powers are working through Him."3-4John had been arrested and imprisoned by Herod through the influence of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, for John had openly declared: "It is unlawful for you to have her as your wife."5Herod had wanted to kill John, but was afraid to do so because the people regarded him as a prophet.6-7However, Herodias' daughter danced for the guests on Herod's birthday and this pleased him so much he swore on oath that he would give her anything she asked.8Her mother prompted her to say: "Give me the head of John the Baptist on a plate."9This concerned the king, but because he had given his oath before his dinner guests, he commanded that her desire should be fulfilled.10-11So John was beheaded in the prison and his head was carried on a plate and given to the girl, who in turn presented it to her mother.12Meanwhile John's disciples came and took his body for burial before going to tell Jesus what had happened.Five loaves and two fish13On hearing this news, Jesus went away privately by boat, wanting to be alone. Aware of His departure, crowds of people from the surrounding towns went on foot around the lake and were waiting for Him when He landed.14When He saw such a vast crowd, His heart went out to them with compassion and He healed the sick among them.15When evening approached, His disciples came and said: "It is getting late and this is such a remote place that You had better send the crowds away so they can go and buy food in the villages."16"There is no need for them to leave," Jesus replied. "You provide food for them."17But they answered: "All we have between us is five loaves of bread and two fish."18"Well, bring them to Me," Jesus said.19After telling the people to sit on the grass, He took the five loaves and two fish, looked up to heaven and gave thanks to God. He then broke the loaves into pieces and gave them to the disciples to distribute among the people.20-21They all ate as much as they wanted and when the disciples collected what remained, they filled twelve baskets; yet about five thousand men, plus women and children, had eaten.Peter comes to Jesus on the lake22Immediately after this, Jesus ordered the disciples to board the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side of the lake, while He sent the crowds home.23Having done this, He went up on the side of a mountain alone to pray. He was still there by Himself as it grew dark.24The boat was by now some way from the land, but was being buffeted by strong head winds.25About three o'clock in the morning, Jesus walked towards them on the surface of the lake.26When the disciples saw Him walking on top of the water, they were scared. "It must be a ghost," they said and cried out in alarm.27Immediately Jesus called out to them: "Have faith! It is I. Don't be afraid."28Peter said: "Lord, if it really is You, command me to come to You walking on the water."29"Come," said Jesus. Peter climbed out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards Jesus.30However, he became conscious of the force of the wind and began to fear. Immediately he began to sink and cried out: "Save me, Lord!"31Jesus reached out His hand and caught hold of Peter. He said to him: "Why did you doubt? Is your faith so weak?"32As soon as they had climbed together into the boat, the wind died down.33The others in the boat worshipped Him, saying: "You really are God's Son."34Having crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.35-36The local residents recognised Jesus and sent word around the surrounding district. People brought all the sick to Him, pleading with Him to let them merely touch the edge of His robe. And everyone who touched Him was healed!
Scripture quoted by permission. The passage above is taken from THE TRUTH VERSION. Copyright © 2009 by Colin Urquhart. All rights reserved worldwide. (The Truth New Testament)