MSB MAT Chapter 14

The Beheading of John

(Mark 6:14–29, Luke 9:7–9)

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,“vvv 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 

When Herod’s birthday was being celebrated,[fn] 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 vvv 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.

13 

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

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

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

15 

When evening came, His disciples[fn] 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 

vvv 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 vvv fed, besides women and children.

22 

Jesus Walks on Water

(Mark 6:45–52, John 6:16–21)

vvv Immediately Jesus made the disciples[fn] 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 in the middle of the sea,[fn] buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 

vvv 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 vvv vvv,” said [Jesus].

Then Peter got down out of the boat [and] walked on the water to go toward Jesus.[fn] 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 came [and] worshiped[fn] Him, saying,“Truly You are the Son of God!”

34 

Jesus Heals at Gennesaret

(Mark 6:53–56)

When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.[fn] 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.