Twenty - Matthew - 14

14:1  At that time Prince Herod heard of the fame of Jesus,

14:2  And said to his attendants. "This must be John the Baptist; he must be risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are active in him."

14:3  For Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and shut him up in prison, to please Herodias, the wife of Herod's brother Philip.

14:4  For John had said to him 'You have no right to be living with her.'

14:5  Yet, though Herod wanted to put him to death, he was afraid of the people, because they looked on John as a Prophet.

14:6  But, when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before his guests, and so pleased Herod,

14:7  That he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

14:8  Prompted by her mother, the girl said 'Give me here, on a dish, the head of John the Baptist.'

14:9  The king was distressed at this; yet, on account of his oath and of the guests at his table, he ordered it to be given her.

14:10  He sent and beheaded John in the prison;

14:11  And his head was brought on a dish and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother.

14:12  Then John's disciples came, and took the body away, and buried it; and went and told Jesus.

14:13  When Jesus heard of it, he retired privately in a boat to a lonely spot. The people, however, heard of his going, and followed him in crowds from the towns on foot.

14:14  On getting out of the boat, Jesus saw a great crowd, and his heart was moved at the sight of them; and he cured all the sick among them.

14:15  In the evening the disciples came up to him, and said. "This is a lonely spot, and the day is now far advanced; send the crowds away, that they may go to the villages, and buy themselves food."

14:16  But Jesus said. "They need not go away, it is for you to give them something to eat."

14:17  "We have nothing here," they said, "except five loaves and two fishes."

14:18  "Bring them here to me," was his reply.

14:19  Jesus ordered the people to take their seats on the grass; and, taking the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to Heaven, and said the blessing, and, after he had broken the loaves, gave them to his disciples; and they gave them to the crowds.

14:20  Every one had sufficient to eat, and they picked up enough of the broken pieces that were left to fill twelve baskets.

14:21  The men who ate were about five thousand in number, without counting women and children.

14:22  Immediately afterwards Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and cross over in advance of him, while he dismissed the crowds.

14:23  After dismissing the crowds, he went up the hill by himself to pray; and, when evening fell, he was there alone.

14:24  The boat was by this time some miles from shore, laboring in the waves, for the wind was against her.

14:25  Three hours after midnight, however, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water.

14:26  But, when they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. "It is a ghost," they exclaimed, and cried out for fear.

14:27  But Jesus at once spoke to them. "Courage!" he said, "It is I; do not be afraid!"

14:28  "Master," Peter exclaimed, "if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water."

14:29  And Jesus said. "Come." So Peter got down from the boat, and walked on the water, and went towards Jesus;

14:30  But, when he felt the wind, he was frightened, and, beginning to sink, cried out. "Master! Save me!"

14:31  Instantly Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught hold of him. "O man of little faith!" he said, "Why did you falter?"

14:32  When they had got into the boat, the wind dropped.

14:33  But the men in the boat threw themselves on their faces before him, and said. "You are indeed God's Son."

14:34  When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

14:35  But the people of that place, recognizing Jesus, sent out to the whole country round, and brought to him all who were ill,

14:36  Begging him merely to let them touch the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made perfectly well.