6
But at his birthday celebration, he got his chance. Herodias's daughter provided the entertainment, dancing for the guests. She swept Herod away.
7
In his drunken enthusiasm, he promised her on oath anything she wanted.
8
Already coached by her mother, she was ready: "Give me, served up on a platter, the head of John the Baptizer."
9
That sobered the king up fast. Unwilling to lose face with his guests, he did it
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.
15
Toward evening the disciples approached him. "We're out in the country and it's getting late. Dismiss the people so they can go to the villages and get some supper."
16
But Jesus said, "There is no need to dismiss them. You give them supper."