The Death of John the Baptist^(A)

14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, ² and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead. And therefore mighty works are at work in him.”

³ For Herod had laid hold of John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. ⁴ For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” ⁵ When Herod would have put him to death, he feared the crowd, 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 would ask. ⁸ Being previously instructed by her mother, she said, “Give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter.” ⁹ The king was sorry. Nevertheless, for the oath’s sake and those who sat with him at supper, he commanded it to be given to her. ¹⁰ He sent and beheaded John in the prison. ¹¹ His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. ¹² His disciples came and took up the body and buried it. And they went and told Jesus.

Herod’s Anxiety^(A)

⁷ Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him. And he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, ⁸ and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen. ⁹ But Herod said, “I have beheaded John. But who is this of whom I hear such things?” And he tried to see Him.