Herod wanted to kill John. But he was afraid of the people, because they thought John was a prophet.

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.”

Herod had John’s head cut off in the prison.

John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand

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.

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Still others say Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”

Jesus’ Appearance Is Changed

After six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John the brother of James with him. He led them up a high mountain. They were all alone.

Then the disciples understood that Jesus was talking to them about John the Baptist.

Where did John’s baptism come from? Was it from heaven? Or did it come from human authority?” They talked to one another about it. They said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’

But what if we say, ‘From human authority’? We are afraid of the people. Everyone believes that John was a prophet.”

John came to show you the right way to live. And you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. You saw this. But even then you did not turn away from your sins and believe him.