2. The next Sabbath he taught in the Jewish meeting place. Many of the people who heard him were amazed and asked, “How can he do all this? Where did he get such wisdom and the power to perform these miracles?
3. Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary? Aren't James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon his brothers? Don't his sisters still live here in our town?” The people were very unhappy because of what he was doing.
4. But Jesus said, “Prophets are honoured by everyone, except the people of their home town and their relatives and their own family.”
5. Jesus could not perform any miracles there, except to heal a few sick people by placing his hands on them.
6. He was surprised that the people did not have any faith.Jesus taught in all the neighbouring villages.
7. Then he called together his twelve apostles and sent them out two by two with power over evil spirits.
8. He told them, “You may take along a walking stick. But don't carry food or a travelling bag or any money.
9. It's all right to wear sandals, but don't take along a change of clothes.
17-18. Herod had earlier married Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. But John had told him, “It isn't right for you to take your brother's wife!” So, in order to please Herodias, Herod arrested John and put him in prison.
19. Herodias had a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she could not do it
20. because Herod was afraid of John and protected him. He knew that John was a good and holy man. Even though Herod was confused by what John said, he was glad to listen to him. And he often did.
21. Finally, Herodias got her chance when Herod gave a great birthday celebration for himself and invited his officials, his army officers, and the leaders of Galilee.
22. The daughter of Herodias came in and danced for Herod and his guests. She pleased them so much that Herod said, “Ask for anything, and it's yours!
23. I swear that I will give you as much as half of my kingdom, if you want it.”
24. The girl left and asked her mother, “What do you think I should ask for?”Her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25. The girl hurried back and told Herod, “Straight away on a dish I want the head of John the Baptist!”
26. The king was very sorry for what he had said. But he did not want to break the promise he had made in front of his guests.
27. At once he ordered a guard to cut off John's head there in prison.
28. The guard put the head on a dish and took it to the girl. Then she gave it to her mother.
29. When John's followers learnt that he had been killed, they took his body and put it in a tomb.
30. After the apostles returned to Jesus, they told him everything they had done and taught.
31. But so many people were coming and going that Jesus and the apostles did not even have a chance to eat. Then Jesus said, “Let's go to a place where we can be alone and get some rest.”
32. They left in a boat for a place where they could be alone.
33. But many people saw them leave and worked out where they were going. So people from every town ran on ahead and got there first.