Matthew 14:12

12 Later, John's disciples got the body, gave it a reverent burial, and reported to Jesus.

Matthew 14:12 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 14:12

And his disciples came
To the prison where his body was left, and to which they had liberty of recourse before; see ( Matthew 11:2 ) and very probably, upon hearing what was done, might apply to Herod, as Joseph of Arimathea did to Pilate, for the body of Jesus; who might, as he did, give them leave to take it: and

took up the body and buried it.
Theophylact says, his body was buried in Baste Caesarea, and that his head was first reposited in Emesesa. This was the last office of love to their master, and was done in respect and gratitude to him, and to show that they still abode by his doctrine; and was what decency and the belief of the resurrection of the dead, as well as the will of God, require should be done:

and went and told Jesus;
that their master was dead, what kind of death he suffered, and by what means it was brought about; and how that they had interred him; and what Herod also had said of Jesus, that he was John risen from the dead. Their coming to Christ, and informing him of all this, show, that they were taught by their master to respect him as the Messiah, and believe in him, and adhere to him; and it is very likely that they continued with him.

Matthew 14:12 In-Context

10 - ordered John's head cut off
11 and presented to the girl on a platter. She in turn gave it to her mother.
12 Later, John's disciples got the body, gave it a reverent burial, and reported to Jesus.
13 When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat to an out-of-the-way place by himself. But unsuccessfully - someone saw him and the word got around. Soon a lot of people from the nearby villages walked around the lake to where he was.
14 When he saw them coming, he was overcome with pity and healed their sick.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.