66 John the Baptist is Beheaded [Matthew 14:1–12]
The Bible passage: [Matthew 14:1–12]
The Story:
Herod Antipas heard the reports about Jesus.
He told his servants, “This is John the Baptist! He has been raised from the dead. That’s why he has supernatural powers.”
Herod had arrested John and put him in prison because John had told him it wasn’t lawful for him to marry the wife of his brother. He wanted to kill John, but he feared the crowd, since they considered him a prophet.
When Herod’s birthday celebration came, his wife’s daughter danced for them and Herod was pleased. He promised to give her whatever she requested.
Prompted by her mother, she answered, “Give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter!”
Herod regretted it, but he had given his word and all of his guests had heard it. He sent orders and had John beheaded in prison. His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she took it to her mother.
John’s followers came, removed his corpse, buried it, and went and reported to Jesus.
The Lessons:
- This is Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great, who was king at the time of the birth of Jesus. Herod Antipas had divorced his first wife and taken his brother’s wife, Herodias. His wife, Herodias, was also his niece.
- John had called out Antipas for this incestuous relationship, even though it cost him imprisonment and, eventually, his life. We are called to speak the truth to those around us, even when there might be risk. At the same time, in [Ephesians 4:15], Paul tells us that we should “speak the truth in love”.
- Not a spiritual lesson, but a good life lesson: Be careful what promises you make!
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