In this chapter we read about the death of John the Baptist, the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water, as well as Peter. The fame of Jesus makes it difficult for him to move from place to place and he will have to avoid going into cities and let the crowds come out to him in the wilderness and desolate places.

Matthew 14

At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus,

2 And told his servants “This is John the Baptist; he is risen from the dead, and that’s why mighty works are done by him.”

3 For Herod had arrested John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife.

4 Because John had been telling him “It is not lawful for you to have her.”

5 He did not put him to death because he feared the crowds that considered him to be a prophet.

6 But when Herod’s birthday was observed, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

7 So he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked.

8 She was instructed by her mother to say “Give me John the Baptist’s head here on a platter.” 

9 The king was sorry but  for the oath’s sake, and the guests who sat with him at dinner, he commanded it to be given to her.

10 He sent word and had John beheaded in the prison.

11 And his head was brought on a platter, and given to the girl: and she brought it to her mother.

12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard of it, he departed from there by ship into a desolate place alone: and when the people had heard this, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

14 When he came ashore and saw the crowds, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

15 When it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying “This is a desert place and it is late. Send the crowds away that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves something to eat. 

16 But Jesus said to them “They do not need to depart; you give them something to eat.”

17 They said “We only have five loaves and two fish.”

18 He said “Bring them to me.”

19 And he commanded the crowd to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fish, and looking up to heaven he blessed, broke, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowd.

20 Everyone ate and were filled: and they took up the leftover fragments twelve baskets full.

21 About five thousand men had eaten, beside women and children.

22 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into a ship, and to go before him to the other side, while he sent the crowds away.

23 After he sent the crowds away he went up a mountain by himself to pray: and when evening came he was there alone.

24 But the boat was a long way from land, and tossed with waves: because the wind was against them. 

25 In the early hours of the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear.

27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying “Be of good cheer; it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

29 And he said “Come.” When Peter came down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the strong wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink. He cried out, “Lord, save me.”

31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him, and said to him “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

32 When they came into the ship, the wind ceased.

33 Then everyone in the ship came and worshiped him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God.”

34 When they had crossed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

35 And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent word into all that country and brought him all who were sick;

36 And begged him that they might touch the hem of his garment: and everyone that touched it were healed.

Read Matthew 14 in ESV, HCSB, NASB and NIV via Bible Gateway.