Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

He went out from there and came into his own country, where his disciples followed him. When the Sabbath had come, he began to teach in the synagogue: many hearing him were astonished, saying, "From where did this man get these things?" and what wisdom is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? Some of them said, "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon, with his sisters here among us?"

They were offended at him because he grew up in their midst and yet possessed wisdom and performed mighty works. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country and among his own kin and in his own house he finds no welcome." He was amazed by their lack of faith, and he went around the villages teaching.

He called to himself the twelve and began sending them out in pairs, giving them authority over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for their journey except a staff, no bread, nor bag, and no money in their purse. But be shod with sandals and do not put on two coats. In whatever house you enter, remain there until you depart from that place.

When you are rejected and your message falls on deaf ears, shake off the dust from your feet as a witness against them; it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah at the judgment than for that city. They went out and preached that people should repent, casting out many demons and anointing with oil many who were sick, healing them.

King Herod heard about him, for his name was well-known. He said, "John the Baptist has risen from the dead, which is why these remarkable works are being done through him." Others said, "It is Elijah." Others said, "He is a prophet, or one of the prophets." When Herod heard about it, he said, "It is John, whom I beheaded; he has risen from the dead."

For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, binding him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife whom he had married. For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him, but she could not because of her fear of John, whom she knew to be righteous.

Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe; and when he heard him, he did many things gladly. And when a convenient day was come, Herod on his birthday made a supper to his nobles and high-ranking officials of Galilee. When Herodias' daughter danced and pleased Herod, he said to her, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

He swore to her, "Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half my kingdom." She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?" Her mother replied, "Ask for John the Baptist's head." She came in immediately with haste to the king and asked for the head of John the Baptist on a platter right away.

The king was deeply troubled, yet he could not go back on his oath and the commitments he had made to those present. The king immediately sent an executioner, who beheaded John in prison and brought his head back to him. And he brought his head on a platter and gave it to the young woman who handed it over to her mother.

When his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, laying it in a tomb. The apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus and told him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. Come apart by yourselves to a deserted place and rest awhile, for many are coming and going, leaving you with no leisure even to eat.

They departed into a desert place by ship privately. And the people saw them departing, and many recognized him, running ahead from all cities to meet him. Jesus came out and saw a vast crowd, and he was moved with compassion toward them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He began to teach them many things.

As he continued teaching, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a desert place, and the time has passed; send them away so they can go into the surrounding towns and villages to buy themselves something to eat." Send them away, Jesus replied. But they said, "Should we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give it to them?"

He asked them, "How many loaves do you have? Go and see." And when they found out, they said, "Five loaves and two fish." He commanded them to arrange all the people in groups on the green grass. They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the crowds; and he divided the two fishes among them all. They all ate and were filled, taking up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and also of the fish.

And they who had eaten of the loaves were about five thousand men. He immediately compelled his disciples to get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida, while he sent away the crowds. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray alone.

When evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and he alone was on land. He saw them toiling in rowing, for the wind was against them; and about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, intending to pass by them. When they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a spirit and cried out.

They all saw him and were terrified, but he immediately spoke to them and said, "Be of good cheer; it is I, do not be afraid." And he went up to them into the ship; and the wind ceased: they were utterly amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. They considered not the miracle of the loaves because their hearts were hardened.

When they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret and landed on the shore. When they had disembarked, immediately those who were on the shore recognized him. And they ran through that whole region, carrying those who were sick on their beds to wherever they had heard he was.

As Jesus entered villages, cities, and countryside, people laid their sick in the streets, begging to touch even the hem of his garment, and those who touched him were made whole.