Matthew 14:1-36 BSB

[1] 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. [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. [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, 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, 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!” [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.