Herod Antipas’ False Assumption
July 2, 2020
Commentary
It seems likely that this event took place after the mission of the disciples (Mk. 6:7). The multiplication of Jesus influence through His disciples caused Herod to get upset. When Herod heard about Jesus and His miraculous powers, he was sure that John the Baptist had risen from the dead (vv. 1-2). This was Herod Antipas who ruled over a fourth of Palestine. His father, Herod the great was the one who had ordered the Bethlehem babies killed (Matt. 2:16).
Herod Antipas was living with Herodias, his sister-in-law, the wife of his half brother Philip so this was an immoral relationship (v. 3). Boldly John the Baptist warned Herod and called him to repent (v. 4). Instead of listening to God’s servant and obeying God’s Word, Herod arrested John and imprisoned him in the fortress of Makers (now called Massada) on a mountain about four miles east of the Dead Sea which was where one of Herod’s palaces was located (v. 5). He would have executed John, but he was afraid a riot would break out because of John’s popularity.
When Herod’s birthday was celebrated, Herodias, one of the most wicked and perverse women mentioned in Scripture plotted to have her teen-age daughter perform a lewd dance before her stepfather (vv. 6-11). The king, who was thought to be in a drunken stupor, promised with an oath to give her whatever she wanted. Following her mother’s request, John the Baptist’s head was brought to her on a platter. The followers of John took his body and buried it but did not tell Jesus until later (v. 12). Later, hearing about the marvelous work of Jesus, Herod was sure John had been raised from the dead.
Application
Can I think of a time in my life when I have given in to peer pressure and did something I knew I should not do? If found in the same situation again what would I do?
Matthew 14:1– 12 (NET)
1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead! And because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had repeatedly told him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Although Herod wanted to kill John, he feared the crowd because they accepted John as a prophet. 6 But on Herod’s birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, 7 so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Instructed by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 Although it grieved the king, because of his oath and the dinner guests he commanded it to be given. 10 So he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 Then John’s disciples came and took the body and buried it and went and told Jesus.