The Gospel of Matthew 11:2-18:35

13. And (when)coming into his native town he taught them in their synagogue so that they were astounded and said. “Where did this man get this wisdom and how can he do these powerful deeds? Is he not the son of the carpenter? Is not his mother called Mary and are his brothers not James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And his sisters. Are they not all with us here? How then can he do all these things?” And they were offended by him. But Jesus said to them. “A prophet is not without honour except in his own native town and in his own house.” He did not do powerful deeds there because of their unbelief. 13:53-57 Wisdom Is Affected By

14. At that time Herod the tetrach heard about Jesus and he said to his servants. “This is John the Baptist. He was raised from the dead and therefore powerful deeds are done through him.” For Herod had seized and bound John and had put him in prison on account of Herodias the wife of Philip his brother. For John had said to him “It is not lawful for you to have her (as wife).” And although he wanted to kill him he feared the crowd because they believed him to be a prophet. Now the birthday of Herod came and the daughter of Herodias was dancing in their midst and pleased Herod. He therefore took an oath promising to give her whatever she might ask. Being instructed by her mother she said “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a dish.” The King was grieved. But because of his oaths and because of those reclining at the table with him he commanded this to be given. And sending, he had John beheaded in the prison. and his (John’s) head was brought on a plate and given to the girl. And she brought it to her mother. Approaching (John’s) disciples took the corpse and buried him and they came and reported all this to Jesus. 14:1-12 Wisdom Listens

15. On hearing it Jesus left from there in a boat to a desert place privately. And hearing this the crowds followed him by foot from the cities. And going forth he saw a great crowd and was filled with tenderness for them and he healed their sick. Now evening was coming on and his (Jesus’) disciples approached him saying "We are in a desert place and it is now late. Dismiss the crowds so that they can go away into the villages and buy food for themselves." But Jesus said to them. "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." But they say to him “We do not have food here except for five loaves and two fish.” And he said “Bring them to me here.” And having told the crowds to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven he blessed these and breaking them gave the loaves to the disciples and the disciples gave these to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. then they picked up the leftovers and there were twelve full baskets. The people who were eating consisted of about five thousand men apart from the women and children. Immediately he told the disciples to to off in the boat before him to the other side and he would dismiss the crowds. And having dismissed the crowds he went up into the mountain privately to pray. 14:13-23 Wisdom Is Concerned