May 18, 2016

THE HEADSTRONG AND THE HEADLESS

Mark 6:14–29

Blair Onyekanne
Wednesday's Devo

May 18, 2016

Wednesday's Devo

May 18, 2016

Central Truth

Whether we are speaking to friends or enemies, let us speak the truth in love and leave the rest to God.

Key Verse | Mark 6:19–20

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. (Mark 6:19-20)

Mark 6:14–29

The Death of John the Baptist

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' 1 6:14 Greek his name had become known. Some 2 6:14 Some manuscripts He said, “John the Baptist 3 6:14 Greek baptizer; also verse 24 has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 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. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 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.

21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 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.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 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.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's 4 6:27 Greek his head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Footnotes

[1] 6:14 Greek his
[2] 6:14 Some manuscripts He
[3] 6:14 Greek baptizer; also verse 24
[4] 6:27 Greek his

Dive Deeper | Mark 6:14–29

Well, what a lovely passage to mark the start of the day! (Pun intended). A little manipulation, guilt, and murder—just a typical Wednesday.

If today’s Scripture doesn’t quite mirror your own life, take a second look with me. Maybe we can see a few similarities to our own lives in it.

First, take a look at Herodias. She was cunning and relentless, and she encouraged her own daughter to help kill the man called John the Baptist. John’s conviction that Herod should not be married to Herodias threatened her identity. If Herod had listened to John and not taken Herodias as a wife, her whole way of life and position in society would have been threatened. Instead of humbly hearing John's words, Herodias wanted to shut him up.

Next, look at King Herod. The way he interacted with John the Baptist resembled the rocky soil catching the Good Seed from Mark 4. He heard the words of John gladly and even protected John from Herodias. But as soon as Herod faced public opposition, he gave in to the expectations of the people. With actions marked by fear, reluctance, and guilt, he seemed to be a man blown by the wind.

Now, look at John. The John who baptized our Savior is unceremoniously killed as a reward for a young girl. In this passage, John is presented as a righteous man (not self-righteous), a man with miraculous powers, and a man who explained God's commands even to kings. He is also winsome, followed, and hated. Quite the combination.

Some days, I can be like Herodias; others, Herod; but I want to be like John. I want to speak and act honestly, lovingly, and fearlessly. That means that sometimes people might want to take my head off or uninvite me, and I have to be okay with that. It is a hard thing to balance gentleness and truth, but John's reputation reminds me of something that Todd Wagner once said: "Even if people disagree with what you believe, live in such a way that makes them glad you are on the earth."

Discussion Questions

1. Do you tend to lean more toward absolute truth or absolute grace for yourself and others?

2. How do you picture John speaking if Herod, who didn't understand John's message, still loved to listen to him?

3. What are some areas of faith that you see as gray areas? What Scripture can you read to understand them?

4. Have you ever been offended by someone's words like Herodias was offended by John's?