Matthew 14 : 1 (NLT)
When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus,
Matthew 14 : 2 (NLT)
he said to his advisers, "This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles."
Matthew 14 : 3 (NLT)
For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod's brother Philip).
Matthew 14 : 4 (NLT)
John had been telling Herod, "It is against God's law for you to marry her."
Matthew 14 : 5 (NLT)
Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.
Matthew 14 : 6 (NLT)
But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias's daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him,
Matthew 14 : 7 (NLT)
so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted.
Matthew 14 : 8 (NLT)
At her mother's urging, the girl said, "I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!"
Matthew 14 : 9 (NLT)
Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.
Matthew 14 : 10 (NLT)
So John was beheaded in the prison,
Matthew 14 : 11 (NLT)
and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.
Matthew 14 : 12 (NLT)
Later, John's disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.
Matthew 14 : 13 (NLT)
As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.
Matthew 14 : 14 (NLT)
Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.
Matthew 14 : 15 (NLT)
That evening the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy food for themselves."
Matthew 14 : 16 (NLT)
But Jesus said, "That isn't necessary-- you feed them."
Matthew 14 : 17 (NLT)
"But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish!" they answered.
Matthew 14 : 18 (NLT)
"Bring them here," he said.
Matthew 14 : 19 (NLT)
Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he gave the bread to the disciples, who distributed it to the people.
Matthew 14 : 20 (NLT)
They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
Matthew 14 : 21 (NLT)
About 5,000 men were fed that day, in addition to all the women and children!
Matthew 14 : 22 (NLT)
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home.
Matthew 14 : 23 (NLT)
After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Matthew 14 : 24 (NLT)
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves.
Matthew 14 : 25 (NLT)
About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
Matthew 14 : 26 (NLT)
When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It's a ghost!"
Matthew 14 : 27 (NLT)
But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don't be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here! "
Matthew 14 : 28 (NLT)
Then Peter called to him, "Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water."
Matthew 14 : 29 (NLT)
"Yes, come," Jesus said.So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.
Matthew 14 : 30 (NLT)
But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted.
Matthew 14 : 31 (NLT)
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
Matthew 14 : 32 (NLT)
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped.
Matthew 14 : 33 (NLT)
Then the disciples worshiped him. "You really are the Son of God!" they exclaimed.
Matthew 14 : 34 (NLT)
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret.
Matthew 14 : 35 (NLT)
When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed.
Matthew 14 : 36 (NLT)
They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
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