1 At that time Herod, ruler of Galilee, heard the news about Jesus. 2 He said to his officials, "This is John the Baptizer! He has come back to life. That's why he has the power to perform these miracles."

3 Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him in prison. Herod did this for Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. 4 John had been telling Herod, "It's not right for you to be married to her." 5 So Herod wanted to kill John. However, he was afraid of the people because they thought John was a prophet.

6 When Herod celebrated his birthday, Herodias' daughter danced for his guests. Herod was so delighted with her that 7 he swore he would give her anything she wanted. 8 Urged by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Baptizer on a platter." 9 The king regretted his promise. But because of his oath and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted. 10 He had John's head cut off in prison. 11 So the head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who took it to her mother. 12 John's disciples came for the body and buried it. Then they went to tell Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard about John, he left in a boat and went to a place where he could be alone. The crowds heard about this and followed him on foot from the cities. 14 When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw a large crowd. He felt sorry for them and cured their sick people.

15 In the evening the disciples came to him. They said, "No one lives around here, and it's already late. Send the crowds to the villages to buy food for themselves." 16 Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat." 17 They told him, "All we have here are five loaves of bread and two fish." 18 Jesus said, "Bring them to me." 19 Then he ordered the people to sit down on the grass. After he took the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed the food. He broke the loaves apart, gave them to the disciples, and they gave them to the people. 20 All of them ate as much as they wanted. When they picked up the leftover pieces, they filled twelve baskets. 21 About five thousand men had eaten. (This number does not include the women and children who had eaten.)

22 Jesus quickly made his disciples get into a boat and cross to the other side ahead of him while he sent the people away. 23 After sending the people away, he went up a mountain to pray by himself. When evening came, he was there alone. 24 The boat, now hundreds of yards from shore, was being thrown around by the waves because it was going against the wind. 25 Between three and six o'clock in the morning, he came to them. He was walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. They said, "It's a ghost!" and began to scream because they were afraid. 27 Immediately, Jesus said, "Calm down! It's me. Don't be afraid!"

28 Peter answered, "Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the water." 29 Jesus said, "Come!" So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed how strong the wind was, he became afraid and started to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!" 31 Immediately, Jesus reached out, caught hold of him, and said, "You have so little faith! Why did you doubt?" 32 When they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing. 33 The men in the boat bowed down in front of Jesus and said, "You are truly the Son of God."

34 They crossed the sea and landed at Gennesaret. 35 The men there recognized Jesus and sent messengers all around the countryside. The people brought him everyone who was sick. 36 They begged him to let them touch just the edge of his clothes. Everyone who touched his clothes was made well.