Matthew 14:1-13 (Matins Gospel)
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At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus |
2 |
and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him." |
3 |
For Herod had laid hold of John and bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. |
4 |
Because John had said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her." |
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And although he wanted to put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet. |
6 |
But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod. |
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Therefore he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. |
8 |
So she, having been prompted by her mother, said, "Give me John the Baptist's head here on a platter." |
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And the king was sorry; nevertheless, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he commanded it to be given to her. |
10 |
So he sent and had John beheaded in prison. |
11 |
And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. |
12 |
Then his disciples came and took away the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. |
13 |
When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. |