“King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. For when Herodias’s daughter 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 to you.” And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.”
What’s most important to you?
This is one of the darker passages in Mark’s Gospel.
The story focuses on Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, and the death of John the Baptist. At first glance, it may seem like an interruption in the story of Jesus. But Mark places it here for a reason.
He wants us to see a contrast.
A contrast between two very different kings and two very different kingdoms.
Herod is a powerful man. He has wealth, influence, servants, and soldiers. Yet as we read the account, he seems anything but secure.
In the end, a foolish promise and a desire to protect his reputation lead him to order John’s execution. Herod possesses worldly power, but he is not truly free. He is controlled by fear, pride, and the approval of others.
By contrast, think about Jesus.
Throughout Mark, Jesus has no palace, no army, and no political position. Yet He speaks with authority. He acts with purpose. He is never manipulated by crowds, pressured by public opinion, or driven by fear.
Herod looks powerful but is captive. Jesus appears weak by worldly standards but possesses true authority.
This is one of the great surprises of the Gospel. God’s kingdom does not operate the way earthly kingdoms do.
We tend to assume that power comes from status, influence, or control. But Jesus reveals a different kind of kingship—one rooted in truth, service, and obedience to His Father.
John’s death also reminds us that faithfulness can be costly.
John spoke God’s truth, even when it was unpopular. He did not change his message to protect himself. As a result, he suffered for it.
That may seem like defeat, but Mark is preparing us for something important. The fate of John points forward to the fate of Jesus Himself. Both will suffer at the hands of earthly rulers. Both will appear to lose.
Yet God’s purposes will not be stopped.
In fact, through the suffering and death of Jesus, God’s greatest victory will be accomplished.
This passage invites us to consider many things:
Herod had power, wealth, and status, but none of those things gave him peace.
Jesus had none of those things, yet He possessed the only kingdom that lasts.
And that kingdom is still growing today.
Which will you look to for your security and salvation?
Let’s pray…
Lord Jesus,
keep me from placing my trust in the things this world calls powerful. Help me to follow You in faithfulness and truth. Remind me that Your kingdom is greater than every earthly kingdom and that Your victory will never fail.
Amen.
As part of your devotion time, I encourage you to also pray for at least some of the following:
After praying for these people, you may want to finish your devotion time with the Lord’s Prayer…
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. They will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever and every. Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
