Mark 6:14–29
King
Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, “John
the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers
are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a
prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said,
“John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” For Herod himself had sent men who
arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his
brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling
Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” And Herodias had
a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod
feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected
him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to
him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his
courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When the daughter of
this same Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and
the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.”
And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half
of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”
She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to
the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the
Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his
oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king
sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and
beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the
girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it,
they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Reflection
How
do I feel about the final hours of John the Baptist, beheaded for a frivolous
promise of Herod?
Do
I always like Herod get trapped too, and then act out of my lack of freedom?