Matthew 14:1-13 (Matins Gospel)
- 1
- 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.”
- 5
- 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.
- 7
- 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.”
- 9
- 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.