Scripture reading – Matthew 14
History gives abundant testimony of the tension, conflict, and hostility the world holds toward God, His Word, and His people. In today’s Scripture reading (Matthew 14), the hatred of human authority toward God and His prophet takes center stage.
The Martyrdom of John the Baptist (Matthew 14:1-12)
John’s Fearless Confrontation with King Herod (Matthew 14:1-5)
John the Baptist’s ministry was powerful, and the prophet did not mince words when confronting the sins of his day. Even the most prominent politicians in Israel were not spared the prophet’s condemnation (Matthew 14:4).
Herod Antipas, the son of King Herod the Great, was “the tetrarch” of Galilee (a tetrarch being a ruler of one-fourth of a Roman province, Matthew 14:1). Herod had divorced his wife and married Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife (Matthew 14:3-4; Mark 6:17). Their incestuous marriage violated God’s Law and was an offense to the Jews (Leviticus 18:16).
John the Baptist had persistently condemned such wickedness in Israel. He said to Herod, “It is not lawful for thee to have her” (Matthew 14:4). Herod became so exasperated with John’s rebukes that he had the prophet bound and imprisoned (Matthew 14:3). Though he wished to put John to death, yet, the king “feared the multitude, because they counted him [John] as a prophet” (Matthew 14:5). Herodias, on the other hand, had no political or moral qualms and “would have killed him; but she could not” (Mark 6:19), “for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy” (Mark 6:20).
John’s Beheading (Matthew 14:6-12)
A great banquet was then held for Herod’s birthday, and the daughter of Herodias was part of the entertainment. After she danced before Herod and his guests, the king was so pleased that he “promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask” (Matthew 14:7). Following her mother’s counsel, the daughter of Herodias demanded, “Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger” (Matthew 14:8).
Herod, too proud to confess his error, complied with the daughter’s wicked request and “sent and beheaded John in the prison” (Matthew 14:10). John’s head was brought upon a charger and presented to Herodias. John’s disciples came, took up his body, and buried him (Matthew 14:11-12).
Closing thoughts –
Matthew recorded that Jesus responded to the news of John’s beheading by departing in a “ship into a desert place apart” (Matthew 14:13a). In Mark 6, we read that when news of Christ’s ministry and His miracles reached the ears of the king (Mark 6:14), Herod thought “that John the Baptist was risen from the dead” (Mark 6:14).
Herod said, “It is John [the Baptist], whom I beheaded: he is risen from the dead (Mark 6:14–16). Rather than confess his sin, Herod wrestled with guilt and fear (Proverbs 29:25). He had silenced John’s tongue, but the king could not quiet his guilty conscience.
Later, after Jesus was arrested, Herod met with Jesus (Luke 23:6-11); however, Jesus “answered him nothing” (Luke 23:9). Though Herod was uncaring and brutish, the blood of John the Baptist lay upon his hands and conscience. It was a decision for which he ultimately answered to God.
Take a spiritual lesson from Herod: Many seek solace in the diagnosis of a psychologist or psychiatrist and salve their conscience with prescription drugs or other vices. Nevertheless, if the root problem is sin, there is only one answer:
Confess and repent of your sins, and let the tears of mourning pave the way to God’s forgiveness and joy (James 4:7-10).
Copyright © 2024 – Travis D. Smith
* Please subscribe to the Heart of a Shepherd daily devotionals by entering your name and email address at the bottom of today’s devotion.
The Internal Revenue Service recognizes Heart of A Shepherd Inc as a 501c3 public charitable organization. Your donation is welcome and supports the worldwide ministry outreach of www.HeartofAShepherd.com.
Heart of A Shepherd Inc.
7853 Gunn Highway
#131
Tampa, Florida 33626-1611