Matthew 14:1-13

1When Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus,

2he said to his advisers, “This must be John the Baptist raised from the dead! That is why he can do such miracles.”

3For Herod had arrested and imprisoned John as a favor to his wife Herodias (the former wife of Herod’s brother Philip).

4John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry her.”

5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of a riot, because all the people believed John was a prophet.

6But at a birthday party for Herod, Herodias’s daughter performed a dance that greatly pleased him,

7so he promised with a vow to give her anything she wanted.

8At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “I want the head of John the Baptist on a tray!”

9Then the king regretted what he had said; but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.

10So John was beheaded in the prison,

11and his head was brought on a tray and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.

12Later, John’s disciples came for his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

13As soon as Jesus heard the news, he left in a boat to a remote area to be alone. But the crowds heard where he was headed and followed on foot from many towns.