Herod's Fears
Matthew 14, verse 1. At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus Matthew 14, verse 2. and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.” Matthew 14, verse 3. For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Matthew 14, verse 4. Because John had said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Matthew 14, verse 5. And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. Matthew 14, verse 6. But when Herod’s birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. Matthew 14, verse 7. Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Matthew 14, verse 8. So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” Matthew 14, verse 9. And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. Matthew 14, verse 10. So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. Matthew 14, verse 11. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. Matthew 14, verse 12. Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus.
Feeding the Five Thousand
Matthew 14, verse 13. When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. Matthew 14, verse 14. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. Matthew 14, verse 15. When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” Matthew 14, verse 16. But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14, verse 17. And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” Matthew 14, verse 18. He said, “Bring them here to Me.” Matthew 14, verse 19. Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14, verse 20. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Matthew 14, verse 21. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Walking on Water
Matthew 14, verse 22. Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. Matthew 14, verse 23. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14, verse 24. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Matthew 14, verse 25. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. Matthew 14, verse 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. Matthew 14, verse 27. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” Matthew 14, verse 28. And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” Matthew 14, verse 29. So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. Matthew 14, verse 30. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” Matthew 14, verse 31. And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” Matthew 14, verse 32. And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Matthew 14, verse 33. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”
Healing Continues
Matthew 14, verse 34. When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret. Matthew 14, verse 35. And when the men of that place recognized Him, they sent out into all that surrounding region, brought to Him all who were sick, Matthew 14, verse 36. and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.