The Death of John the Baptist
November 6, 2020
Commentary
Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, began to hear about Jesus and wondered who He was (vv. 14–16). Some said Jesus was John the Baptist raised from the dead. Herod believed this because he felt guilty for what he had done. John had boldly spoken against Herod’s sinful marriage to Herodias, his brother’s wife (vv. 17–18). Because of this, Herodias hated John and wanted him killed. Yet Herod feared John, knowing he was a righteous man, and kept him safe for a time, though he was troubled by his message deeply. (vv. 19–20).
At a birthday banquet, Herod made a careless promise after being pleased by a dance (vv. 21–23). He told the girl she could ask for anything. After consulting her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist (vv. 24–25). Though Herod was deeply saddened, he gave the order because of his oath and the pressure of those around him (vv. 26–27). John was executed, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who gave it to her mother (v. 28). Later, John’s disciples came and laid his body in a tomb (v. 29), reminding us how quickly sin can lead to tragic and irreversible consequences, especially when we ignore God’s warn-ing and choose to follow our own desires instead. Sin always brings painful results; those who don’t believe.
This passage shows the danger of sin, pride, and the fear of people. Herod knew what was right, but chose to follow his pride and protect his image. A weak decision led to a terrible result. It reminds us that we must stand for truth with courage, like John, and not let pressure or fear lead us away from what is right, but remain faithful to God in every situation we face daily, choosing obedience over approval and truth over personal comfort in all circumstances.
Application
I think about how easily Herod gave in to pressure and fear. Do I also make decisions based on what others think instead of what is right? When I feel tempted or pressured, do I still follow God’s truth? I choose obedience over approval, and live faithfully for You with courage, wisdom, and a humble heart today.
Mark 6:14–29 (NET)
14 Now King Herod heard this, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 Others said, “He is Elijah.” Others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past.” 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised!” 17 For Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had repeatedly told Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not 20 because Herod stood in awe of John and protected him, since he knew that John was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him, he was thoroughly baffled, and yet he liked to listen to John.
21 But a suitable day came, when Herod gave a banquet on his birthday for his court officials, military commanders, and leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23 He swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother said, “The head of John the baptizer.” 25 Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: “I want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” 26 Although it grieved the king deeply, he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests. 27 So the king sent an executioner at once to bring John’s head, and he went and beheaded John in prison. 28 He brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
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