December 20, 2023
Pastor John Hering
Mark 6:17-29
Mark 6:17-29
17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.
21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?”
“The head of John the Baptist,” she answered.
25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29 On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
Have we got it right? We are convinced our religion is right. We are convinced that by losing our sinful life, God graciously grants us eternal life. This evening we hear of the death of John the Baptist. We want to be assured that even in his death he had it right, for even in his death, his witness for Christ spoke clearly.
John the Baptist died a violent death. He died young, probably about 30 years old by being beheaded. He died innocently at the hands of a violent fury of a woman. We also know he died at the point when his calling as the forerunner of Jesus was fulfilled, however, I wonder if he ever wanted to be a close disciple of Jesus, too? But, as Christians, we see what really happened. The sword of judgment set John free from the sinful prison of this world as his soul was taken to heaven in the presence of God’s glory. He had been faithful in his calling, and trusted in Jesus, his Savior. And Marks records, “John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.” Was that it? Was John’s witness to the holy will of God silenced? No! Today John is
Dead, Yet Speaking
John Boldly Testified in High Places
The relationship between Herod and Herodias was indecent. Herod had enticed her away from his brother, Philip, and married her. This was a clear sin against God’s law and a disgrace even to public morality. You’ve got the picture: Corruption at the top of the hill will spread down quickly. A nation is in big trouble when its leaders give evil examples. The Bible is full of examples: Ahab’s idolatry infected the whole Nation of Israel. Such public sin needs to be dealt with. But, who is going to Boldly Testify In High Places?
John the Baptist. That’s who. We usually think about John being out in the wilderness dressed in camel’s skin and eating honey and locusts. He was there preparing people for the kingdom of God through repentance and trust in the coming Messiah. John did not bite his tongue no matter who it was. Remember this one? “But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” (Matt 3:7). John knew what was at stake—the souls of people whether common people, Pharisees or even the king. John knew it was his duty to rebuke sin, and he had the courage to do it. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias was furious at John. No surprise there. “19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, 20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.” So, Herod had John thrown into prison as her nagging and the royal weakling complied.
John Had it Right. His bold testimony did its work. It is still doing work right now. First, John’s testimony speaks to the Church. It is still our duty to call sin, sin and proclaim a message of salvation to people. When the Church sees society heading down a path of sin and evil works, it is still our duty to proclaim the truth of God’s Word. Then when they are led to recognize their sinful condition and need for help, the Church also clearly points them to Jesus Christ for redemption from all their sins. Jesus called us the salt of the earth. We are called to boldly call out sin from hearts of love for those heading down a dangerous path, whether a co-worker, a friend, a fellow church member, or even a son or daughter. This requires courage. However, to ignore offenses against God and tolerate violations against his holy will only results in a departure from God’s holiness and justice. But, when we boldly proclaim Christ, even though John the Baptist is dead, his testimony to the glory of God still speaks as the Word of God in
John’s Message Sincerely Speaks to Our Lives
It is a very interesting point in Mark’s gospel: “20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.” Under those circumstances these words sound strange. But, let’s think about it. What if King Herod had learned that John the Baptist had called out the Pharisees? He would have liked that for Herod didn’t like them. Maybe Herod visited John in prison—you know visiting him as a way of appeasing conscience or paying some kind of penance. Or maybe he heard John, reflected on his sin, and wanted to hear more about his Savior? Matthew tells us “5 Although Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet” (Matt 14:5). Whatever the reason, the statement stands, “Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man.”
When John is described as a “a righteous and holy man” we want to understand this correctly. This did not mean that John was sinless, but that his outward life reflected his sincere godliness. John dedicated his life to preaching repentance and to be turned to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John believed in Jesus as his divine Savior. He also insisted that others should “produce fruits in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8). John’s words and actions gave sincere testimony to the faith in his heart and others noticed, including Herod. His message carried more weight being re-enforced by his life of righteousness. John’s message was seen in his life and helps us understand why Herod stood in awe of John and was so reluctant to take his life.
We member of Divine Peace also speak the message of Jesus Christ and want our lives to re-enforced that message to others. Church membership is a commitment. When we joined Divine Peace we committed ourselves to a life that reflects what we believe. Yes, live up to that standard for we are living in a world where people don’t trust the organized church. When people know we belong to the church but our lives do not practice what we preach, we do harm to the Gospel of Jesus. The people of the world perceive those inconsistencies and feel they have the right to scoff at the church. Do you think Herod would have resisted putting John to death if his life didn’t reflect his message? No. As Herod feared and protected John because his life was so consistent with his preaching, let that be the same response of the world when they see and hear you. Sincerely proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ and prove your sincerity by your godly life. Our prayer is that those without faith in Jesus Christ would respect you for your confidence and be drawn to find out why you would dedicate your life to the message you believe and proclaim. As church members of Divine Peace, let our message and life be a clear testimony to Jesus, because John the Baptist has a message for them as well. Yes,
John’s Message Boldly Speaks of Judgment
John was in prison for no fault of his own. But, not for long.
“21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” 24 She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. 25 At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter.”
That evening the footsteps of the executioner stopped at his prison cell. John was asked to follow him and heard what the orders of Herod were. John laid his head on the chopping block to die. The prison walls went dark, but John’s soul immediately saw the glory of heaven. Herod saw this as his only way out.
The daughter had danced and probably heard cheers for her performance. She was promised up to half the kingdom! Then she went to her mother, Herodias, for advice. Herodias takes the opportunity to get rid of a pain to her conscience and ask for the head of John the Baptist. The king wasn’t expecting that. He may have thought about the sneers of the guests and be labeled as a weak-kneed king if he breaks his oath. He gave the command. John dies and Herodias gloats over the head of a man who dared to condemn her sinful life. For now.
Time passes. Jesus shows up on the scene in Jerusalem and is preaching. Herod hears of it. “Herod the tetrarch heard the news about Jesus. 2 He said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist! He has risen from the dead! That is why these powers are working in him” (Matt 14). That’s not Herod speaking, but his conscience. The horrible deed was done and the sooner forgotten the better. But John and his message of judgment did not stay in the grave. Herod couldn’t escape his conscience. He wishes John and his message would stay dead and buried. Yes, his wish did come true when he learned it was Jesus and not preaching, but John’s message of judgment would never be buried. When Herod died all of his actions would come back to stand as a witness to his unbelieve and condemn him to hell.
It is Advent, a season of repentance and preparation for Jesus. We want to have it right. By God’s grace you know Jesus Christ. You’ve got the right religion. By God’s grace you realize that giving up and repenting of your sins and turning to Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of all your sins is a great blessing. This evening we want to heed the warning of John the Baptist. He died, yet his bold message of judgment still is heard for our good. It would have been wonderful to read somewhere in the Bible that Herod’s fear led to his repentance and trust in Jesus. Then he would have thanked John for his bold message of judgment and forgiveness.
Tonight, let us offer a prayer of thanks to the Lord for John the Baptist’s message that still speaks to use from the grave. For we all have a “little Herod” living in us. Judgment is coming. But, we’ve got it right. In Jesus Christ you have died to sin and the mercy of God has opened heaven for you. God’s fountain of grace in Christ is still flowing. Let us acknowledge our sinfulness, our unworthiness and believe in Christ who has atoned for all our sins. John the Baptist is dead, but his message is still boldly being proclaimed. You’ve Got It Right. For blessed are all those who put their trust in Jesus Christ. Amen!
