Herod heard of Jesus and he told his servants it was John the Baptist, they thought he was raised from the dead. For, he had arrested John because Herod unlawfully took his brother (Philip’s) wife, Herodias. Because John was a prophet and the people liked him Herod couldn’t kill him, so he put him in jail. Herodias’ daughter pleased Herod before the people at His birthday celebration and he said she could have whatever she wanted. At the urging of her mother, she asked for John’s head on a platter. Herod did this. John’s disciples buried him and reported to Jesus. When Jesus heard He withdrew to a remote place to be alone. The crowds heard and followed on foot. As He stepped ashore he saw a huge crowd, and felt compassion for them and healed their sick. Evening came, the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away, Jesus said no, and to give them food. The disciples said, “But we only have 5 loaves and 2 fish.” Jesus had the crowds sit on the grass. He took the bread and fish, and blessed them and everyone was filled, and they picked up 12 baskets full of leftover pieces! Those who ate were 5,000 men (not including women and children). Jesus immediately made the disciples get in a boat to go ahead of Him to the other side while He dismissed the crowds. After dismissing the crowds, he went on the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening came, He was there alone. The boat was over a mile from land, battered by the waves (the wind was against them). At about 3:00am he came toward them walking on the sea. The disciples were terrified, saying, “It’s a ghost!” They cried out in fear. Jesus said, “Have courage! Don’t be afraid.” Peter asked Jesus to prove it was Him by commanding him to walk on water. Jesus said, “Come!” Peter started walking on water to Jesus, but he became afraid and began to sink and cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught him saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The wind ceased when they got in the boat, and those in the boat worshiped Him saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!” Once they crossed the sea they came to Gennesaret. They brought all who were sick to Jesus and they were begging to touch the tassel on His robe. Those who touched it were made perfectly well.
Jesus Christ is fearfully powerful, but if we have faith alone in Him we have no need to fear Him, but only courage to love Him because He first loved us.