25
Excited, she ran back to the king and said, "I want the head of John the Baptizer served up on a platter. And I want it now!"
26
That sobered the king up fast. But unwilling to lose face with his guests, he caved in and let her have her wish.
27
The king sent the executioner off to the prison with orders to bring back John's head. He went, cut off John's head,
28
brought it back on a platter, and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother.
29
When John's disciples heard about this, they came and got the body and gave it a decent burial.
30
The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught.
31
Jesus said, "Come off by yourselves; let's take a break and get a little rest." For there was constant coming and going. They didn't even have time to eat.
32
So they got in the boat and went off to a remote place by themselves.
33
Someone saw them going and the word got around. From the surrounding towns people went out on foot, running, and got there ahead of them.
34
When Jesus arrived, he saw this huge crowd. At the sight of them, his heart broke - like sheep with no shepherd they were. He went right to work teaching them.
35
When his disciples thought this had gone on long enough - it was now quite late in the day - they interrupted: "We are a long way out in the country, and it's very late.