Mark Tells About The Death of John The Baptist
July 14, 2019
Commentary
Herod,, along with many others wondered who Jesus really was (vv. 14-18). Herod Antipas was ruler of Galilee. He was the son of Herod the Great and had inherited part of the kingdom from his father. Herod the Great was the king who was responsible for the massacre of the children in Bethlehem and the killing of three of his own sons. The marriage tangles of the Herod family are a mixed up mess to say the least. Antipas had stolen Herodias, his half-brother, Philip’s wife while visiting in his home. He divorced his own wife and brought his new wife back to live in the official residence in Tiberias of Galilee. Because of this adulterous marriage and because of Herod’s deliberate seduction of his brothers wife, John the Baptist publicly rebuked him. This angered Herodias and she wanted to kill John (vv. 19-20).
When Antipas was drunk at his birthday party, in the castle of Machaerus near the Dead Sea, he promised to give the young daughter of Herodias whatever she wanted (vv. 21-23). When the daughter checked with her mother about what to ask for she said, “The head of John the Baptist” (vv. 24-25). Even though the king didn’t want to do it he had made a vow and did not want to “lose face” with the group so under pressure he sent for John’s head (vv. 26-27). The guard put John’s head on a platter and took it to the girl who then gave it to her mother (v. 28). When John’s followers heard that he had been killed they took his body and put it in a tomb (v. 29). Now in this passage he hears about what Jesus is doing and he thinks that John the Baptist must have risen from the dead.
Application
Do I ever feel like I am in a pressure cooker, or that I am being pulled and pushed in every direction? Well, I can respond like Herod. I can be manipulated by it to the point where I am forced to make decisions contrary to what I know is right. Or I can refuse to yield to it and seek the will of God instead.
Mark 6:14– 29 (NET)
14 Now King Herod heard this, for Jesusâ name had become known. Some were saying, âJohn the baptizer has been raised from the dead, and because of this, miraculous powers are at work in him.â 15 Others said, âHe is Elijah.â Others said, âHe is a prophet, like one of the prophets from the past.â 16 But when Herod heard this, he said, âJohn, whom I beheaded, has been raised!â 17 For Herod himself had sent men, arrested John, and bound him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philipâs wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had repeatedly told Herod, âIt is not lawful for you to have your brotherâs wife.â 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, âAsk me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.â 23 He swore to her, âWhatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.â 24 So she went out and said to her mother, âWhat should I ask for?â Her mother said, âThe head of John the baptizer.â 25 Immediately she hurried back to the king and made her request: âI want the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.â 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 Johnâs 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 Johnâs disciples heard this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
Illustration: Hope College Wins National Playoffs
The Hope College Women’s basketball team had made it to the national playoffs. The final game saw Hope 20 points behind with 10 minutes left to play. The team remained calm and began to narrow the gap. Then with just 5 seconds remaining, a 3 point basket tied the game. The final score was decided by Dina Disney. With no time left on the clock, she sank two free throws to win the game. When television and press interviewers asked her how she stayed calm under so much pressure, Dina said she recited to herself, ââŹĹI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Our Daily Bread).