5. Herod wanted to kill John. But he was afraid of the people, because they thought John was a prophet.
6. On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased Herod very much.
7. So he promised with an oath to give her anything she asked for.
8. Her mother told her what to say. So the girl said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist on a big plate."
9. The king was very upset. But he thought of his promise and his dinner guests. So he told one of his men to give her what she asked for.
10. Herod had John's head cut off in the prison.
11. His head was brought in on a big plate and given to the girl. She then carried it to her mother.
12. John's disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.
13. Jesus heard what had happened to John. He wanted to be alone. So he went in a boat to a quiet place. The crowds heard about this. They followed him on foot from the towns.
14. When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt deep concern for them. He healed their sick people.
15. When it was almost evening, the disciples came to him. "There is nothing here," they said. "It's already getting late. Send the crowds away. They can go and buy some food in the villages."
16. Jesus replied, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."
17. "We have only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.
18. "Bring them here to me," he said.
19. Then Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves into pieces. Then he gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the people.
20. All of them ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces.