In fact, it was Herod himself who had given orders to arrest John. He had him tied up and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias. She was the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. But now Herod was married to her.

John had been saying to Herod, “It is against the Law for you to be married to your brother’s wife.”

Herodias couldn’t forgive John for saying that. She wanted to kill him. But she could not,

because Herod was afraid of John. So he kept John safe. Herod knew John was a holy man who did what was right. When Herod heard him, he was very puzzled. But he liked to listen to John.

She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.

At once the girl hurried to ask the king. She said, “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a big plate right now.”

He sent a man right away to bring John’s head. The man went to the prison and cut off John’s head.

John’s disciples heard about this. So they came and took his body. Then they placed it in a tomb.

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

Jesus’ Appearance Is Changed

After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him. He led them up a high mountain. They were all alone. There in front of them his appearance was changed.

Anyone Who Is Not Against Us Is for Us

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in your name. We told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

James and John Ask Jesus for a Favor

James and John came to Jesus. They were the sons of Zebedee. “Teacher,” they said, “we would like to ask you for a favor.”

The other ten disciples heard about it. They became angry at James and John.

Was John’s baptism from heaven? Or did it come from human authority? Tell me!”

But what if we say, ‘From human authority’?” They were afraid of the people. Everyone believed that John really was a prophet.

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, across from the temple. Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him a question in private.

He took Peter, James and John along with him. He began to be very upset and troubled.

The Coming Birth of John the Baptist

Herod was king of Judea. During the time he was ruling, there was a priest named Zechariah. He belonged to a group of priests named after Abijah. His wife Elizabeth also came from the family line of Aaron.

But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will have a child. It will be a boy, and you must call him John.

And now you will have to be silent. You will not be able to speak until after John is born. That’s because you did not believe my words. They will come true at the time God has chosen.”

John the Baptist Is Born

The time came for Elizabeth to have her baby. She gave birth to a son.

But his mother spoke up. “No!” she said. “He must be called John.”

He asked for something to write on. Then he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.

Everyone who heard this wondered about it. And because the Lord was with John, they asked, “What is this child going to be?”

Zechariah’s Song

John’s father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit. He prophesied,