Matthew 14 : 1 (HCSB)
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 2 (HCSB)
"This is John the Baptist!" he told his servants. "He has been raised from the dead, and that's why supernatural powers are at work in him."
Matthew 14 : 3 (HCSB)
For Herod had arrested John, chained him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife,
Matthew 14 : 4 (HCSB)
since John had been telling him, "It's not lawful for you to have her!"
Matthew 14 : 5 (HCSB)
Though he wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd, since they regarded him as a prophet.
Matthew 14 : 6 (HCSB)
But when Herod's birthday celebration came, Herodias' daughter danced before them and pleased Herod.
Matthew 14 : 7 (HCSB)
So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.
Matthew 14 : 8 (HCSB)
And prompted by her mother, she answered, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter!"
Matthew 14 : 9 (HCSB)
Although the king regretted it, he commanded that it be granted because of his oaths and his guests.
Matthew 14 : 10 (HCSB)
So he sent orders and had John beheaded in the prison.
Matthew 14 : 11 (HCSB)
His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother.
Matthew 14 : 12 (HCSB)
Then his disciples came, removed the corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 13 (HCSB)
When Jesus heard about it, He withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed Him on foot from the towns.
Matthew 14 : 14 (HCSB)
As He stepped ashore, He saw a huge crowd, felt compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Matthew 14 : 15 (HCSB)
When evening came, the disciples approached Him and said, "This place is a wilderness, and it is already late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the villages and buy food for themselves."
Matthew 14 : 16 (HCSB)
"They don't need to go away," Jesus told them. "You give them something to eat."
Matthew 14 : 17 (HCSB)
"But we only have five loaves and two fish here," they said to Him.
Matthew 14 : 18 (HCSB)
"Bring them here to Me," He said.
Matthew 14 : 19 (HCSB)
Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples *gave them to the crowds.
Matthew 14 : 20 (HCSB)
Everyone ate and was filled. Then they picked up 12 baskets full of leftover pieces!
Matthew 14 : 21 (HCSB)
Now those who ate were about 5,000 men, besides women and children.
Matthew 14 : 22 (HCSB)
Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds.
Matthew 14 : 23 (HCSB)
After dismissing the crowds, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone.
Matthew 14 : 24 (HCSB)
But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.
Matthew 14 : 25 (HCSB)
Around three in the morning, He came toward them walking on the sea.
Matthew 14 : 26 (HCSB)
When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they said, and cried out in fear.
Matthew 14 : 27 (HCSB)
Immediately Jesus spoke to them. "Have courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
Matthew 14 : 28 (HCSB)
"Lord, if it's You," Peter answered Him, "command me to come to You on the water."
Matthew 14 : 29 (HCSB)
"Come!" He said. And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 30 (HCSB)
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid. And beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Matthew 14 : 31 (HCSB)
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"
Matthew 14 : 32 (HCSB)
When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.
Matthew 14 : 33 (HCSB)
Then those in the boat worshiped Him and said, "Truly You are the Son of God!"
Matthew 14 : 34 (HCSB)
Once they crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.
Matthew 14 : 35 (HCSB)
When the men of that place recognized Him, they alerted the whole vicinity and brought to Him all who were sick.
Matthew 14 : 36 (HCSB)
They were begging Him that they might only touch the tassel on His robe. And as many as touched it were made perfectly well.
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