Skip to main content

Mark 6:21-29 - The death of John the Baptist (part 2)

These verses narrate how John ended up dead, despite being under the protection of Herod.

He gave a banquet for all his bigshots and the leading men of Galilee. At this point, his brother's wife (now his)'s daughter came in and danced for  them - leading Herod to tell her he would give her anything she wanted, up to half the kingdom.

Note again - Herodias's daughter, not Herod's. Again this insult is used in the book of Mark, probably insinuating the girl's father is unknown.

Q: Why does Herod make this promise in front of everyone?
A: To demonstrate his "generosity" and appreciation for her dancing, kind of a show-off thing

 She goes to consult her mother, then returns and asks for the head of John. Herod seems to have no choice but to agree.

 Q: Does Herod have a choice?
A: Yes. We ALWAYS have a choice. The choice Herod makes here is the one that "saves his face", and keeps his reputation rather than disgracing himself and doing the right thing.

 And thus John is beheaded, and dies - at the hand of a man who valued his own pride and reputation before what was right.

We, similarly, especially as Asians, place a high emphasis on reputation and pride - and even more so in today's society.

Where our decisions probably don't affect some prophet's life that drastically...

Our pride and reputation cause us to make decisions that dishonor God. To make bad testimonies. To be part of the cause of the loss of a soul.

 Yes, that's how bad we can be.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Luke 22:35-53 - Jesus arrested

Luke 22:35-53 [35] And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” [36] He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. [37] For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” [38] And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.” (ESV) [39] And he came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed him. [40] And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” [41] And he withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt down and prayed, [42] saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” [43] And there appeared t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Mark 9:2-13 - The transfiguration

This passage tells of Peter, James and John following Jesus to a high mountain alone. Again, it is only the "inner circle" of the disciples who get to witness this event. As Jesus prayed, His appearance was changed to one radiant and intensely white - an allusion to His holiness. Moses and Elijah also appeared and talked to Jesus about His coming death. Why Moses and Elijah? (note: speculation here) Moses is the giver of Old Testamental law and is instrumental in Christ's fulfillment of the OT Law, and His replacing of it. Elijah is the symbol of faith of the OT - never going against God but suffering many things for His sake, and at the end being taken up to heaven without actually dying. They talk to Jesus, and Peter suggests that they make 3 dwellings for them to stay. However, that is clearly not God's intention, and God speaks clearly to them, telling them Jesus is His beloved Son, and to listen to Him. At this point, Moses and Elijah disappear. Jes...
Post a Comment
Read more

Psalm 39 - The measure of my days

Psalm 39 -  The measure of my days Introduction Psalm 39 is written as a lament Psalm by David. David starts off the Psalm with a declaration of his commitment to stay silent in the face of the wicked. Possibly a reason for this is because he does not want to have any interaction with them, or perhaps they are twisting his words too much. However, in his silence, he says his plight gets worse. The next part is the kind of "emo" sounding part, where he asks God to let him know how long his days are and how he will die - in the hope that he will leave this world behind for a better place. He finally ends off with praise to God for His holiness and deliverance. How applicable is this today? Where God's holiness has not changed, how we relate to the wicked definitely has. Because of the coming of Jesus Christ, we wicked people have a chance to accept God's love and grace. As Jesus said, it is not the healthy who need the doctor, but the sick. No longer do we distin...
Post a Comment
Read more