3-4. Herod had earlier arrested John and had him chained and put in prison. He did this because John had told him, “It isn't right for you to take Herodias, the wife of your brother Philip.”
5. Herod wanted to kill John. But the people thought John was a prophet, and Herod was afraid of what they might do.
6. When Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests. She pleased Herod
7. so much that he swore to give her whatever she wanted.
8. But the girl's mother told her to say, “Here on a dish I want the head of John the Baptist!”
9. The king was sorry for what he had said. But he did not want to break the promise he had made in front of his guests. So he ordered a guard
10. to go to the prison and cut off John's head.
11. It was taken on a dish to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.
12. John's followers took his body and buried it. Then they told Jesus what had happened.
13. After Jesus heard about John, he crossed Lake Galilee to go to some place where he could be alone. But the crowds found out and followed him on foot from the towns.
14. When Jesus got out of the boat, he saw the large crowd. He felt sorry for them and healed everyone who was sick.
15. That evening the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This place is like a desert, and it is already late. Let the crowds leave, so they can go to the villages and buy some food.”
16. Jesus replied, “They don't have to leave. Why don't you give them something to eat?”
17. But they said, “We have only five small loaves of bread and two fish.”
18. Jesus asked his disciples to bring the food to him,