And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. Mark 6:26-28
I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark. Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 6:14-29. Excerpts from third (of three) division (vv21-29):
- The title of the first division per the commentary: "Expect That Some Will Attempt to Destroy You."
- Herod's oath is fulfilled to Herodias' daughter (and Herod's daughter in law and niece) as her dancing so pleases Herod and his intoxicated guests that there is no way Herod can save face and back out of the oath to give her anything (up to half his kingdom - v23) after the young woman after seeking counsel from her mother asks for John the Baptist's head. Herod is sad but lacks conviction and is fearful of John - so John is executed.
- "Herod feared displeasing his wife and losing face with man more than he feared God. Pride took him down, just like it did Satan and Adam. Herodias feared and hated John because he was right and she knew it. John was a nuisance to her conscience and a cancer to her reputation. He had to go. His head on a platter would solve all her problems, or at least she thought so."
- "John the Baptist was declared by Jesus to be the last and greatest prophet." See also Matthew 14:13, Luke 13:32, and 23:8-9 for Jesus' response to hearing about John's death, His thoughts about Herod, and a description of Herod meeting after Jesus is arrested in the garden of Gethsemane.
- "Death cannot silence a life. Murdering someone will not put an end to their testimony. Remember the saying, “Even though he is dead, he still speaks through his faith” (Hebrews 11:4)."
- "John lost his head, but Herod and Herodias lost their souls. In the end there is no question who won and who lost. Bad things do happen to good people. But great things happen to godly people who put it all on the line, even their head on a platter, for the truth of God’s Word and the glory of His name!"
Charlie Kirk said he wanted to be remembered for the courage of his faith and indeed he will be, among many of his other Godly attributes. Lifting up Charlie's family in prayer.
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that saves - regardless of what the world does to us and our earthly bodies, we know that You are saving a place for us in Heaven. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out daily for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient and apply Your message for me today and every day.
