14:01 .. at that time Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus 14:02 .. and said to his servants .. this is John the Baptist .. he has risen from the dead .. and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him 14:03 .. for when Herod had John arrested .. he bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias .. the wife of his brother Philip 14:04 .. for John had been saying to him . . . It is not lawful for you to have her 14:05 .. although Herod wanted to put him to death .. he feared the crowd .. because they regarded John as a prophet 14:06 .. but when Herod’s birthday came .. the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod 14:07 .. so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked 14:08 .. having been prompted by her mother .. she said . . . give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist 14:09 .. although he was grieved .. the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths .. and because of his dinner guests 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 .. his disciples came and took away the body and buried it . . . and they went and reported to Jesus 14:13 .. now when Jesus heard about John .. he withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by himself .. and when the people heard of this .. .......... they followed him on foot from the cities
14:14 .. when he went ashore .. he saw a large crowd .. and felt compassion for them and healed their sick 14:15 .. when it was evening .. the disciples came to him and said . . . this place is desolate and the hour is already late .. so send the crowds away .. .......... that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves 14:16 .. but Jesus said to them . . . they do not need to go away .. you give them something to eat 14:17 .. they said to him . . . we have here only five loaves and two fish 14:18 .. and he said . . . bring them here to me 14:19 .. ordering the people to sit down on the grass .. he took the five loaves and the two fish .. and looking up toward heaven .. he blessed the food .. .......... and breaking the loaves he gave them to the disciples .. and the disciples gave them to the crowds 14:20 .. and they all ate and were satisfied .. they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces .. twelve full baskets 14:21 .. there were about five thousand men who ate .. besides women and children 14:22 .. Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side .. while he sent the crowds away 14:23 .. after he had sent the crowds away .. he went up on the mountain by himself to pray . . . and when it was evening .. he was there alone
14:24 .. but the boat was already a long distance from the land .. battered by the waves .. for the wind was contrary 14:25 .. and in the fourth watch of the night he came to them .. walking on the sea 14:26 .. when the disciples saw him walking on the sea .. they were terrified .. and said . . . It is a ghost .. and they cried out in fear 14:27 .. but immediately Jesus spoke to them .. saying . . . take courage .. it is I . . . do not be afraid
14:28 .. Peter said to him . . . Lord .. if it is you .. command me to come to you on the water 14:29 .. and he said . . . come . . . and Peter got out of the boat .. and walked on the water and came toward Jesus 14:30 .. but seeing the wind .. he became frightened .. and beginning to sink .. he cried out . . . Lord .. save me 14:31 .. Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and took hold of him .. and said to him . . . you of little faith .. why did you doubt 14:32 .. when they got into the boat .. the wind stopped 14:33 .. and those who were in the boat worshiped him .. saying . . . you are certainly God’s son
14:35 .. and when the men of that place recognized him .. they sent word into all that surrounding district and brought to him all who were sick 14:36 .. and they implored him that they might just touch the fringe of his cloak .. and as many as touched it were cured
That will be multiplied and blessed to the service of men which is by faith passed through the hands of Christ .. faith and love with little can do much v 18 .. the steps of faith fall on a seeming void but always find a rock .. no sea is too rough on which to venture if the eyes are on Christ and he has bidden us “come” v 29-30 . . . . v 33 the sure cure for the unitarian belief about Christ .. is to be out on a boisterous sea where no human power can help .. and then see him come forth to quiet the boisterous winds and save the sinking soul