Matthew 14:6-12

6One day, when it was Herod's birthday, he asked people to come to a special meal. The daughter of Herodias danced in front of him and his visitors. Her dance caused Herod to become very happy.

7He said to the girl, ‘Ask me for anything that you want. I make a strong promise that I will give it to you.’

8Herodias suggested to her daughter, ‘Ask Herod to give you John's head.’ So the girl said to Herod, ‘Give me the head of John the Baptist on a plate.’

9Then Herod felt sad. But he had made a special promise to the girl, and his visitors had heard him. So he sent his men to do what she had asked for.

10He said to a soldier, ‘Go to the prison and cut off John's head.’

11The soldier did this. Then he brought the head on a plate and he gave it to the girl. The girl took it and gave it to her mother.

12After this, John's disciples went to the prison. They took away John's body and they buried it. Then they went and they told Jesus what had happened.