July 12, 2018
“Keeping Your Head”
In Mark, chapter 6, we have a detour. In verses 12-13 Jesus sent out his disciples. In verse 30 the disciples reported on the success of their mission. In between (the detour) we have the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Mark’s detour is a shocking reminder of the tragic end that God’s prophets face when they speak truth to power.
In verses 14-29 we read the story of how John the Baptist lost his head. It is a powerful story, rich on details (uncommon for Mark), filled with political intrigue, describing wild party behavior and familial pressure. In the end John, who had denounced the king for marrying his brother’s wife, is the victim of Herod’s pride and Herodias’ angry grudge. The “pleasing” dance of Herodias’ daughter inspired Herod to offer her anything, even half of his kingdom. She consulted with her mother and asked for John the Baptist’s head…on a platter. Seems gruesome.
Being parted from his head was probably not John’s career goal, but he couldn’t help himself. He was called by God to be a prophet and prophets use their voice to denounce idolatry, unfaithfulness, and activity that turns against God. But why would John pick on Herod? Wouldn’t John know that angering a corrupt, insecure, narcissistic leader like Herod would only lead to a bad outcome for John? Sure, John would know that denouncing Herod was dangerous…but a prophet of God does not fear corrupt earthly power. John’s head was the price to be paid for advancing God’s kingdom.
Pastor Mike
“Keeping Your Head”
In Mark, chapter 6, we have a detour. In verses 12-13 Jesus sent out his disciples. In verse 30 the disciples reported on the success of their mission. In between (the detour) we have the story of the beheading of John the Baptist. Mark’s detour is a shocking reminder of the tragic end that God’s prophets face when they speak truth to power.
In verses 14-29 we read the story of how John the Baptist lost his head. It is a powerful story, rich on details (uncommon for Mark), filled with political intrigue, describing wild party behavior and familial pressure. In the end John, who had denounced the king for marrying his brother’s wife, is the victim of Herod’s pride and Herodias’ angry grudge. The “pleasing” dance of Herodias’ daughter inspired Herod to offer her anything, even half of his kingdom. She consulted with her mother and asked for John the Baptist’s head…on a platter. Seems gruesome.
Being parted from his head was probably not John’s career goal, but he couldn’t help himself. He was called by God to be a prophet and prophets use their voice to denounce idolatry, unfaithfulness, and activity that turns against God. But why would John pick on Herod? Wouldn’t John know that angering a corrupt, insecure, narcissistic leader like Herod would only lead to a bad outcome for John? Sure, John would know that denouncing Herod was dangerous…but a prophet of God does not fear corrupt earthly power. John’s head was the price to be paid for advancing God’s kingdom.
Pastor Mike