6 The apostles left and went from village to village, telling the good news and healing people everywhere.
7 Herod the ruler heard about all that was happening, and he was worried. Some people were saying John the Baptist had come back to life.
8 Others were saying Elijah had come or one of the prophets from long ago had come back to life.
9 But Herod said, “I had John's head cut off! Who is this I hear so much about?” Herod was eager to meet Jesus.
10 The apostles came back and told Jesus everything they had done. He then took them with him to the village of Bethsaida, where they could be alone.
11 But a lot of people found out about this and followed him. Jesus welcomed them. He spoke about God's kingdom and healed everyone who was sick.
12 Late in the afternoon the twelve apostles came to Jesus and said, “Send the crowd to the villages and farms around here. They need to find a place to stay and something to eat. There is nothing in this place. It's like a desert!”