Mark 6:14-20 (NKJV) John the Baptist Beheaded
(Matt. 14:1–12; Luke 9:7–9)
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”
16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
V14 “Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in Him.”
Herod:
(Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary) “The Herodian dynasty made its way into Palestine through Antipater, an Idumean by descent. The Idumeans were of Edomite stock as descendants of Esau. Antipater was installed as procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar, the emperor of Rome, in 47 B.C. He appointed two of his sons to ruling positions.
“Herod Antipas (4 B.C.–A.D. 39). Antipas, another of Herod the Great’s sons, began as tetrarch over Galilee and Perea. He was the ruling Herod during Jesus’ life and ministry. Herod Antipas was first married to the daughter of Aretas, a Nabatean king. But he became infatuated with Herodias, the wife of his half-brother, Philip I. The two eloped, although both were married at the time. This scandalous affair was condemned severely by John the Baptist (Matt. 14:4; Mark 6:17–18; Luke 3:19).”
Herod had heard about Jesus. Instead of going to see Jesus or at least inviting Him into the palace, he ignored it and believed that this was John the Baptist risen from the dead. Herod felt guilty because he was guilty. Evidently, he believed that if one had risen from the dead, one is granted supernatural powers.
V15 “Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.” Other people had their opinions. One believes this is Elijah (Malachi 4:5), the Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15), or similar to one of the prophets. They overlook the obvious. They had the prophets who told them much about Messiah. Here is a list from a number of different websites about those prophecies: https://www.preceptaustin.org/messianic_prophecies
V16 “But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” Herod’s opinion is different from the others. He feels guilt. Proverbs 28:17 NLT – A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!
V17 “For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her.” This is the reason for Herod’s guilt. Herod was angry at John the Baptist for rebuking him for marrying his brother’s wife, which is against Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:16 and Leviticus 20:21). John the Baptist was obeying the Law by warning Herod (Ezekiel 3:18-19). Obedience to God often will result in punishment and persecution of believers. Compare Acts 7:54 and Psalm 37:12.
V18 “Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” John gave a true message. Leaders, especially those who are evil and love power, do not like anyone to expose or rebuke them. These types of leaders are probably narcissists or, at worst, psychopaths.
V19 “Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not…” Philipp’s wife, who is now married to Herod. Herodias holds the common sinful solution to a problem person—kill them.
V20 “…for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things and heard him gladly.” Herod did have respect for John but only when the message was friendly. Standing for truth has its downfalls in this evil world but a reward in the next.
Commentaries:
JFB: (Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) “…and heard him gladly—a striking statement this, for which we are indebted to our graphic Evangelist alone, illustrating the working of contrary principles in the slaves of passion. But this only shows how far Herodias must have wrought upon him, as Jezebel upon Ahab, that he should at length agree to what his awakened conscience kept him long from executing.”
Matthew Henry:
“Here we see what a great way a man may go toward grace and glory, and yet come short of both, and perish eternally.
“Observe, [1.] John was a just man, and a holy; to make a complete good man, both justice and holiness are necessary; holiness toward God, and justice toward men. John was mortified to this world, and so was a good friend both to justice and holiness. [2.] Herod knew this, not only by common fame, but by personal acquaintance with him. Those that have but little justice and holiness themselves, may yet discern it with respect in others. And, [3.] He therefore feared him, he honoured him. Holiness and justice command veneration, and many that are not good themselves, have respect for those that are.”
We learn:
- Enjoying a preacher who tells the truth is good, but not when it concerns one’s personal sins.
- Telling the truth is pleasing to God but displeasing to sinners.
Questions:
- Do we have any pet sins that we refuse to repent of?
- Do we criticize and wish harm to those who gently rebuke us of our faults?