Herod Thinks Jesus Is John the Baptizer^(A)

14 About that time, Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard what the people were saying about Jesus. ² So he said to his servants, “This man is really John the Baptizer. He must have risen from death, and that is why he can do these miracles.”

How John the Baptizer Was Killed

³ Before this time, Herod had arrested John. He had him chained and put in prison. He arrested John because of Herodias, the wife of Philip, Herod’s brother. ⁴ John had told him, “It is not right for you to be married to Herodias.” ⁵ Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid of the people. They believed that John was a prophet.

⁶ On Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for him and his group. Herod was very pleased with her. ⁷ So he promised that he would give her anything she wanted. ⁸ Herodias told her daughter what to ask for. So she said to Herod, “Give me the head of John the Baptizer here on this plate.”

⁹ King Herod was very sad. But he had promised to give the daughter anything she wanted. And the people eating with Herod had heard his promise. So he ordered what she asked to be done. ¹⁰ He sent men to the prison, where they cut off John’s head. ¹¹ And the men brought John’s head on a plate and gave it to the girl. Then she took the head to her mother, Herodias. ¹² John’s followers came and got his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what happened.

Herod Is Confused About Jesus^(A)

⁷ Herod the ruler heard about all these things that were happening. He was confused because some people said, “John the Baptizer has risen from death.” ⁸ Others said, “Elijah has come to us.” And some others said, “One of the prophets from long ago has risen from death.” ⁹ Herod said, “I cut off John’s head. So who is this man I hear these things about?” Herod continued trying to see Jesus.