Hello, beloved of God,
Today, we look at the account of the death of John the Baptist at the hands of the reckless King Herod Antipas.
“And King Herod heard of it, for His name had become well known; and people were saying, ‘John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and that is why these miraculous powers are at work in Him.’ But others were saying, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others were saying, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’”
Mark 6:14-15
Following the immense fame that Jesus and His disciples had gained through their preaching and miracles, news inevitably reached the king. At this point, Mark takes a pause from recounting Jesus’ ministry to tell us about the death of John the Baptist.
The way this story is framed reveals the end right from the beginning. Mark immediately informs us that John the Baptist was already dead, hence the speculation that Jesus might be John resurrected.
Reckless Murder
Another key detail that Mark introduces early on is that John’s death came at the hands of the king. More than that, we learn that his martyrdom was by beheading:
“But when Herod heard of it, he kept saying, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has risen!’”
Mark 6:16
Immediately, we are confronted with the cost of standing for the truth. Earlier in Mark’s Gospel, we were introduced to this powerful man of God—John the Baptist—who preached the gospel boldly and bore much fruit in his ministry. In a Hollywood movie, this would be the part where the story wraps up with a happy ending. But here, we are faced with historical reality, not fantasy.
The truth is that the gospel is offensive to sinners. Some will hear it, be convicted, and turn to Christ in repentance and faith. However, others will reject it and even go to extreme lengths to suppress the truth in their unrighteousness. Such was the case with the reckless king, who beheaded this great prophet of God.
As believers, we must come to terms with the fact that proclaiming the truth will invite persecution. Some will go to great lengths to stop the spread of the good news. Yet, remembering the great joy in heaven over even one sinner who repents, we must press on in preaching the gospel of redemption to all people.
Reckless Sin
Mark then reveals the specific events that led to John’s execution:
“For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her.”
Mark 6:17
The plot thickens as we learn that John’s beheading was ultimately due to Herodias. Mark’s wording immediately signals that something is wrong. He does not introduce Herodias as Herod Antipas’ wife but rather as the wife of his brother, Philip. This was Herod Philip, Herod Antipas’ half-brother, who was still alive at the time of their marriage.
John boldly confronted the king about this unlawful union:
“For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’”
Mark 6:18
John was referencing the Levitical law, which prohibited such a marriage:
“You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness.”
Leviticus 18:16
This was consistent with John’s core message: “Repent, for the kingdom of God is near.” But instead of heeding the rebuke, Herod responded by imprisoning John the Baptist.
Once again, we see how offensive the gospel can be. The good news is only good when one understands the bad news—that we are sinners in need of a Savior. Here, John was exposing sin in a way that was meant to lead to repentance. But Herod was not ready to receive the good news.
Reckless Grudge
As the story unfolds, we see that Herodias played a key role in ensuring that Herod did not submit to the truth:
“Now Herodias was holding a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death but was not able;”
Mark 6:19
Even though Herodias was the one with the grudge, Herod was not innocent. His marriage to his brother’s wife was an ongoing sin against God. Yet, in John, he had an opportunity to hear the truth and repent.
Every sinner has a chance to turn to Christ. But this requires acknowledging one’s sin and recognizing that no good works can atone for it. The reality is that God’s wrath is coming against all ungodliness:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
Romans 1:18
Thus, salvation is only found by grace through faith in Christ alone.
Reckless Restraint
Mark tells us that Herod was reluctant to kill John, not because he saw it as morally wrong, but because he feared the people, who regarded John as a prophet:
“For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he was keeping him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; yet he used to enjoy listening to him.”
Mark 6:20
Herod had some awareness of righteousness. He even enjoyed listening to John. Perhaps, if events had unfolded differently, he might have come to repentance.
Sin, however, is dangerous. It sears the conscience, making it harder and harder for a person to distinguish good from evil. Herod’s continued indulgence in sin ultimately led him further away from repentance.
Reckless Promise
“And a strategic day came when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee; and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you.’ And he swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.’”
Mark 6:21-23
In his pleasure and arrogance, Herod made a reckless promise he would come to regret. This reminds us of Jesus’ words about the weight of our speech:
“But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment.”
Matthew 12:36
Reckless End
Trapped by his oath and the pressure of his guests, Herod ordered John’s execution:
“And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.”
Mark 6:26
This is a sobering moment. How often do we fall into sin simply because we fear how we will appear to others?
“Beware of doing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1
True repentance is not just feeling bad about sin—it is putting sin to death:
“For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the practices of the body, you will live.”
Romans 8:13
May we be serious in our battle against sin, knowing that we have the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and keep us from falling into recklessness that leads to destruction.
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