Herod kept John the Baptist in prison, but he was afraid to put him to death because everyone believed he was a prophet. Then, on his birthday, Herod had a party. His stepdaughter danced for the guests. Herod was so pleased with her dancing he called out, "Ask for anything you like, Salome. I will give it to you, even if it is half my kingdom!"
Salome went to her mother, Herodias. "What shall I ask for?" she said. Herodias hated John. "Ask for John the Baptist's head on a plate," she said. So John was beheaded.
And John's disciples came and buried him very sadly. Then they went and told Jesus.
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