The Death of John the Baptist (MAT 14:1-12)

[14:1] At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus,

[14:2] and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.”

[14:3] For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife,

[14:4] because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

[14:5] And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet.

[14:6] But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod,

[14:7] so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask.

[14:8] Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.”

[14:9] And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given.

[14:10] He sent and had John beheaded in the prison,

[14:11] and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

[14:12] And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.