BSB MAT Chapter 14

The Beheading of John

(Mark 6:14–29, Luke 9:7–9)

14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

3 [Now] Herod had arrested John [and] bound him and put [him] in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been telling him “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although [Herod] wanted to kill [John], he was afraid of the people, because they regarded [John] as a prophet.

6 On Herod’s birthday however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.

8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

9 The king was grieved, but because of [his] oaths and his guests, he ordered that [her wish] be granted 10 and sent {to have} John beheaded in the prison.

11 [John’s] head was brought in on a platter and presented to the girl, [who] carried [it] to her mother.

12 Then [John’s] disciples came [and] took [his] body and buried it. And they went [and] informed Jesus.

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

(Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, John 6:1–15)

13 When Jesus heard [ about John ], He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out [about it] [and] followed Him on foot from the towns. 14 When He stepped ashore [and] saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick.

15 When evening came, the disciples came to Him [and] said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages [and] buy themselves some food.”

16 “They do not need to go away,” Jesus replied “You give them [something] to eat.”

17 We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered

18 “Bring them here to Me,” [Jesus] said. 19 And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish [and] looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves [and] gave [them] to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the people.

20 They all ate and were satisfied, and [the disciples] picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 About five thousand men were fed, besides women and children.

Jesus Walks on Water

(Mark 6:45–52, John 6:16–21)

22 Immediately [Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. 23 After He had dismissed [them] He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone, 24 but the boat was already far from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 During the fourth watch of the night,[fn] [Jesus] went out to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus spoke up at once “Take courage! It is I. [Do] not be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if [it] is You,” Peter replied “command me to come to You on the water.”

29 “Come said [Jesus]. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind,[fn] he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out [His] hand [and] took hold of [Peter]. “[You] of little faith,” He said “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they had climbed back into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who [were] in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

(Mark 6:53–56)

34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized [Jesus], they sent word to all the surrounding region. [People] brought all the sick to Him 36 and begged Him just to let them touch the fringe of His cloak. And all who touched [Him] were healed.