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At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus
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and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
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Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,
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because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”
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Although Herod wanted to kill John, he was afraid of the people, because they regarded John as a prophet.
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On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod
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so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.
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Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
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The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted
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and sent to have John beheaded in the prison.
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John’s head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
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Then John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. And they went and informed Jesus.
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When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns.
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When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.
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When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”
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“They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied. “You give them something to eat.”
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“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
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“Bring them here to Me,” Jesus said.
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And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
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They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.
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About five thousand men were fed, besides women and children.
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Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.
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After He had dismissed them, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone,
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but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
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During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the sea.
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When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear.
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But Jesus spoke up at once: “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.”
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“Lord, if it is You,” Peter replied, “command me to come to You on the water.”
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“Come,” said Jesus. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus.
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But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
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Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?”
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And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down.
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Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”
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When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.
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And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding region. People brought all the sick to Him
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and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched Him were healed.