Matthew 14 in plain modern English. New Ground English Translation.

Around that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus

and told his servants, "This is John the Submerger — he's been raised from the dead! That's why these powers are at work through him."

You see, Herod had arrested John, chained him up, and thrown him in prison — all because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

Because John had been telling him, "It's not lawful for you to have her."

Herod wanted to kill him but was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.

But when Herod's birthday celebration came, the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests, and Herod was so delighted

that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked for.

Coached by her mother, she said, "Give me the head of John the Submerger, right here on a platter."

The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered it to be done.

He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.

His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.

John's followers came, took the body, and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

When Jesus heard this, he withdrew by boat to a remote place to be alone. But the crowds found out and followed him on foot from the towns.

When he stepped out of the boat, he saw a massive crowd, and his heart broke for them. He healed those among them who were sick.

When evening came, the followers approached him and said, "This is a remote place and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."

Jesus replied, "They don't need to leave. You give them something to eat."

"All we have here is five loaves of bread and two fish," they told him.

"Bring them here to me," he said.

He told the crowds to sit down on the grass. Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up toward heaven, gave thanks, broke the bread, and gave it to the followers, who distributed it to the crowds.

Everyone ate and was completely satisfied. Then they picked up twelve baskets full of leftover pieces.

The number who ate was about five thousand men, not even counting women and children.

Immediately, Jesus made the followers get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.

After he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.

By this time, the boat was already a considerable distance from shore, getting battered by the waves because the wind was against them.

During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came toward them, walking on the lake.

When the followers saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost!" they screamed, crying out in fear.

But Jesus immediately spoke to them: "Courage! It's me. Don't be afraid."

Peter called out to him, "Master, if it's really you, tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus.

But when he noticed the strong wind, he panicked and started to sink. "Master, save me!" he screamed.

Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "So little trust!" he said to him. "Why did you doubt?"

When they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Then those in the boat bowed down before him and said, "You really are the Son of God!"

When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret.

When the people of that area recognized him, they sent word throughout the entire surrounding region. People brought all who were sick to him

and begged him to let them just touch the edge of his cloak. And everyone who touched it was completely healed.