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
During Luther Seminary’s confronting racism course, students share their experiences involving injustice. They tell about times they observed injustices but didn’t intervene with words or actions. Occasionally, we probably all fail to advocate for justice. Maybe we don’t turn to God and hear God calling us to specific actions. Or we don’t speak up because we fear what people might think of us. It’s difficult to talk with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and leaders about their misleading, harmful, or discriminatory words and/or actions. It’s a perpetual predicament! For example, when Herodias asked Herod for John the baptizer’s head, Herod stopped protecting him. Herod beheaded John to save face with his daughter and guests. Similarly, nowadays, people may seem receptive to God’s message, yet they remain reluctant to “do the right thing.” Thus, God may call us to share messages and actions that support people as they struggle to act justly.
Prayer
God of justice, forgive us when we fail to hear the ways you call us to act. Empower us to unite as advocates who support each other while we work for social change, equity, and justice. Amen.
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