The Head of John the Baptist

Gospel of Matthew 14

At that time Prince Herod heard of the fame of Jesus, 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.” 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. 4 For John had said to him: ‘You have no right to be living with her.’ 5 Yet, though Herod wanted to put him to death, he was afraid of the people, because they looked on John as a prophet.

6 But, when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before his guests, and so pleased Herod, 7 That he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, the girl said: ‘Give me here, on a dish, the head of John the Baptist.‘ 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. 10 He sent and beheaded John in the prison; 11 And his head was brought on a dish and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother. 12 Then John’s disciples came, and took the body away, and buried it; and went and told Jesus.

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

17 “We have nothing here,” they said, “except five loaves and two fishes.” 18 “Bring them here to me,” was his reply. 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. 20 Everyone had sufficient to eat, and they picked up enough of the broken pieces that were left to fill twelve baskets. 21 The men who ate were about five thousand in number, without counting women and children.

22 Immediately afterwards Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and cross over in advance of him, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After dismissing the crowds, he went up the hill by himself to pray; and, when evening fell, he was there alone. 24 The boat was by this time some miles from shore, laboring in the waves, for the wind was against her.

25 Three hours after midnight, however, Jesus came towards the disciples, walking on the water. 26 But, when they saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they exclaimed, and cried out for fear. 27 But Jesus at once spoke to them. “Be of good cheer,” he said, “It is I; do not be afraid.”

28 “Master,” Peter exclaimed, “if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.”:29 And Jesus said: “Come.” So Peter got down from the boat, and walked on the water, and went towards Jesus; 30 But, when he felt the wind, he was frightened, and, beginning to sink, cried out: “Master! Save me!” 31 Instantly Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught hold of him. “O ye of little faith!” he said, “Why did you falter?” 32 When they had got into the boat, the wind dropped. 33 But the men in the boat threw themselves on their faces before him, and said: “You are indeed God’s Son.”

34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 But the people of that place, recognizing Jesus, sent out into the whole country around, and brought to him all who were ill, 36 Begging him merely to let them touch the tassel of his cloak; and all who touched were made perfectly whole.

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To read Chapter 19 of the Gospel of Matthew, please go to: Fish and Loaves

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Looking for Jesus

Gospel of Mark 16

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought some spices, so that they might go and anoint the body of Jesus. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb after sunrise. 3 They were saying to one another: “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”

4 But on looking up, they saw that the stone had already been rolled back; it was a very large one. 5 Going into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on their right, in a white robe, and they were dismayed; But he said to them: 6 “Do not be dismayed; you are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified; he has risen, he is not here! Look! Here is the place where they laid him. 7 But go, and say to his disciples and to Peter: ‘He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him, as he told you.’”

8 They went out and fled from the tomb, for they were trembling and bewildered; and they did not say a word to anyone, for they were frightened; 9 After his rising again, early on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first of all to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had driven out seven demons. 10 She went and told the news to those who had been with him, and who were now in sorrow and tears; 11 Yet even they when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, did not believe it.

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12 Afterwards, altered in appearance, he made himself known to two of them, as they were walking on their way into the country. 13 They also went and told the rest, but they did not believe even them. 14 Later on, he made himself known to the eleven them-selves as they were at a meal, and reproached them with their want of faith and their stubbornness, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen from the dead.

15 Then he said to them: “Go into all the world, and proclaim the gospel to all creation. 16 He who believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he who refuses to believe will be condemned. 17 Moreover these signs shall attend those who believe. In my name they shall drive out demons; they shall speak with ‘tongues’; 18 They shall take up serpents in their hands; and, if they drink any poison, it shall not hurt them; they will place their hands on sick people and they shall recover.”

19 So the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them was taken up into heaven, and sat at the right hand of God. 20 But they set out, and made the proclamation everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the message by the signs which attended it.

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Gain fresh insight into the Lord’s Prayer & how God is with us today. Read our free online book The Lord’s Prayer for Daily Life. The prayer’s hidden teachings will enrich and inspire you. Click the following link to begin reading the Living Hour Book now: The Lord’s Prayer.

Browse the entire Book of Mark here: Gospel of Mark