Mark 6:14-29 (NRSV)
Read Mark 6:14-29 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, "John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him." Verse 15But others said, "It is Elijah." And others said, "It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old." Verse 16But when Herod heard of it, he said, "John, whom I beheaded, has been raised."
Verse 17For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. Verse 18For John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." Verse 19And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, Verse 20for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. Verse 21But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. Verse 22When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it." Verse 23And he solemnly swore to her, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom." Verse 24She went out and said to her mother, "What should I ask for?" She replied, "The head of John the baptizer." Verse 25Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, "I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter." Verse 26The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Verse 27Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, Verse 28brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. Verse 29When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Devotion
Herod cared more about what people would think of him than about doing the right thing. Even though he knew it was wrong to kill John the Baptist (don't forget that up until this night Herod had been protecting John because he knew John was a righteous and holy man), he had John executed and his head delivered to Herodias on a platter. All because he was scared of what his "wife" and guests would think. Too often we still sit silently on the sidelines and allow the wrongs of this world to unfold because we’re too afraid to get involved. We're afraid that we might offend someone. We're afraid of what people will think and of what we will lose in the process. But may we find our strength in Christ so that we may daily deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, John the Baptist was not the only one whose body would be laid in a tomb. But you, O Lord, could not be held in death's grip. We thank you for the promise of resurrection and pray that by your Holy Spirit we may face the daily deaths we must die for the sake of our neighbors’ good. May we yet walk in newness of life to the honor and glory of your holy name. Amen.