5. Although Herod wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they thought John was a prophet.
6. But at Herod’s birthday party Herodias’ daughter danced in front of the guests and thrilled Herod.
7. Then he swore to give her anything she asked.
8. At her mother’s urging, the girl said, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a plate."
9. Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests he commanded that they give it to her.
10. Then he had John beheaded in prison.
11. They brought his head on a plate and gave it to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother.
12. But John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.
13. When Jesus heard about John, he withdrew in a boat to a deserted place by himself. When the crowds learned this, they followed him on foot from the cities.
14. When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion for them and healed those who were sick.