Matthew 14 : 1 (NCV)
At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the reports about Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 2 (NCV)
So he said to his servants, "Jesus is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why he can work these miracles."
Matthew 14 : 3 (NCV)
Sometime before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod's brother.
Matthew 14 : 4 (NCV)
John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to be married to Herodias."
Matthew 14 : 5 (NCV)
Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.
Matthew 14 : 6 (NCV)
On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, and she pleased him.
Matthew 14 : 7 (NCV)
So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.
Matthew 14 : 8 (NCV)
Herodias told her daughter what to ask for, so she said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter."
Matthew 14 : 9 (NCV)
Although King Herod was very sad, he had made a promise, and his dinner guests had heard him. So Herod ordered that what she asked for be done.
Matthew 14 : 10 (NCV)
He sent soldiers to the prison to cut off John's head.
Matthew 14 : 11 (NCV)
And they brought it on a platter and gave it to the girl, and she took it to her mother.
Matthew 14 : 12 (NCV)
John's followers came and got his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 13 (NCV)
When Jesus heard what had happened to John, he left in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. But the crowds heard about it and followed him on foot from the towns.
Matthew 14 : 14 (NCV)
When he arrived, he saw a great crowd waiting. He felt sorry for them and healed those who were sick.
Matthew 14 : 15 (NCV)
When it was evening, his followers came to him and said, "No one lives in this place, and it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves."
Matthew 14 : 16 (NCV)
But Jesus answered, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."
Matthew 14 : 17 (NCV)
They said to him, "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish."
Matthew 14 : 18 (NCV)
Jesus said, "Bring the bread and the fish to me."
Matthew 14 : 19 (NCV)
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking to heaven, he thanked God for the food. Jesus divided the bread and gave it to his followers, who gave it to the people.
Matthew 14 : 20 (NCV)
All the people ate and were satisfied. Then the followers filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of food.
Matthew 14 : 21 (NCV)
There were about five thousand men there who ate, not counting women and children.
Matthew 14 : 22 (NCV)
Immediately Jesus told his followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him across the lake. He stayed there to send the people home.
Matthew 14 : 23 (NCV)
After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone.
Matthew 14 : 24 (NCV)
By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it.
Matthew 14 : 25 (NCV)
Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.
Matthew 14 : 26 (NCV)
When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, "It's a ghost!" and cried out in fear.
Matthew 14 : 27 (NCV)
But Jesus quickly spoke to them, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."
Matthew 14 : 28 (NCV)
Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water."
Matthew 14 : 29 (NCV)
Jesus said, "Come." And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 30 (NCV)
But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"
Matthew 14 : 31 (NCV)
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, "Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?"
Matthew 14 : 32 (NCV)
After they got into the boat, the wind became calm.
Matthew 14 : 33 (NCV)
Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God!"
Matthew 14 : 34 (NCV)
When they had crossed the lake, they came to shore at Gennesaret.
Matthew 14 : 35 (NCV)
When the people there recognized Jesus, they told people all around there that Jesus had come, and they brought all their sick to him.
Matthew 14 : 36 (NCV)
They begged Jesus to let them touch just the edge of his coat, and all who touched it were healed.
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