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At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard about Jesus.
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"He is really John the Baptist, who has come back to life," he told his officials. "That is why he has this power to perform miracles."
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For Herod had earlier ordered John's arrest, and he had him tied up and put in prison. He had done this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.
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For some time John the Baptist had told Herod, "It isn't right for you to be married to Herodias!"
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Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because they considered John to be a prophet.
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On Herod's birthday the daughter of Herodias danced in front of the whole group. Herod was so pleased
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that he promised her, "I swear that I will give you anything you ask for!"
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At her mother's suggestion she asked him, "Give me here and now the head of John the Baptist on a plate!"
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The king was sad, but because of the promise he had made in front of all his guests he gave orders that her wish be granted.
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So he had John beheaded in prison.
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The head was brought in on a plate and given to the girl, who took it to her mother.
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John's disciples came, carried away his body, and buried it; then they went and told Jesus.
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When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, and so they left their towns and followed him by land.
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Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick.
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That evening his disciples came to him and said, "It is already very late, and this is a lonely place. Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves."
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"They don't have to leave," answered Jesus. "You yourselves give them something to eat!"
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"All we have here are five loaves and two fish," they replied.