The death of John

15. December 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Hello: 

In our text today, we learn of how John the Baptist was killed.   Our context is when Jesus is returning from his hometown after they showed him no honor and he was not able to perform many miracles there.   

Here is the text:

Matthew 14:1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2 and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 3 Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered him a prophet. 6 On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for them and pleased Herod so much 7 that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” 9 The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted 10 and had John beheaded in the prison. 11 His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. 12 John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

 While our text is self explanatory, there is one point that I want to emphasize.  In the ancient world when a ruler or king made an oath, he was bound to him.   Herod had made an oath in the presence of his officials and witnesses that if Herodias danced for him that he would give her whatever she asked.     

The text said that the king was distressed.  Herod was very upset and concerned about killing John the Baptist but because of the oath, he had to honor his word.   While we do know that Herod wanted John dead he feared the reaction of the people for they considered him to be a prophet. 

The mother who prompted the request for the head of John the Baptist was upset with him for telling her that she the wife of Herod’s brother and did not belong to Herod.   From the moment he said it, she held hatred in her heart towards him. 

After John was killed, his disciples took the body and buried it and then they went and told Jesus.  Tomorrow, we will discuss the reaction of Jesus when he heard the news of John’s death. 

Stay encouraged!!!! 

All is well, everything is safe, and everything is as it should be.

 Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily. 

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