King Herod or King Jesus? (Mark 6:14-29)
Why does Mark include it in the middle of his narrative about Jesus? Was it just for its shock effect? No. John’s execution serves to accentuate both the danger Jesus faced and the nature of his messianic mission as it moves toward its ultimate climax.
The tenor of Jesus’ ministry changed following news of John’s death. The death of his cousin would have been deeply troubling to Jesus, for he already knew what was ahead for himself.
Soon he will head toward his own showdown with political power as he makes his way toward Jerusalem. Perhaps this is one reason why he wanted some time alone with his disciples after hearing the news.
In addition, Mark wants us to see the stark contrast between the kingdoms of this world — as represented by Herod, who craved to be called King of the Jews — and the kingdom of God, as represented by Jesus, who was in fact Israel’s promised King.
The differences between them could not have been more profound, and the stakes could not have been higher.
Herod’s kingdom was characterized by selfishness, violence, lawlessness, sexual license, greed and debauchery. Jesus’ kingdom was characterized by selflessness, compassion, purity, simplicity and sacrificial love.
The Sadducees (religious leaders of Jesus’ day) were willing to look past Herod’s obvious character flaws in order to have access to political power. But Jesus took an altogether different approach. He refused the temptation of power (Mark 1:13; Mt 4:8f), and embraced the path of self-giving love. He insisted that those who follow him follow his example:
“You know that … rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and … exercise authority over them,” he said. “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (10:42-45).
He said this only days before he arrived in Jerusalem and stood trial before the powerful religious and political rulers of his day, including Herod himself. Like John before him, Jesus would pay the ultimate price for living by his convictions.
But in the greatest surprise of all time, his dubious death would be the crowning achievement of his messianic ministry. For three days later he would be raised to new life as the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords.
Herod enjoyed the trappings of power while it lasted. Before long, however, he was exiled to Gaul, and he and his ill-gotten wife died in obscurity. In contrast to this, the movement begun by Jesus changed the course of world history as, little by little, life by life, people began to follow Jesus and to live the Jesus way.
Over the centuries, the church has wrestled with the temptation to power. We have not always gotten it right. But when we do, we can rest assured knowing that one day we will hear those blessed words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).
The tenor of Jesus’ ministry changed following news of John’s death. The death of his cousin would have been deeply troubling to Jesus, for he already knew what was ahead for himself.
Soon he will head toward his own showdown with political power as he makes his way toward Jerusalem. Perhaps this is one reason why he wanted some time alone with his disciples after hearing the news.
In addition, Mark wants us to see the stark contrast between the kingdoms of this world — as represented by Herod, who craved to be called King of the Jews — and the kingdom of God, as represented by Jesus, who was in fact Israel’s promised King.
The differences between them could not have been more profound, and the stakes could not have been higher.
Herod’s kingdom was characterized by selfishness, violence, lawlessness, sexual license, greed and debauchery. Jesus’ kingdom was characterized by selflessness, compassion, purity, simplicity and sacrificial love.
The Sadducees (religious leaders of Jesus’ day) were willing to look past Herod’s obvious character flaws in order to have access to political power. But Jesus took an altogether different approach. He refused the temptation of power (Mark 1:13; Mt 4:8f), and embraced the path of self-giving love. He insisted that those who follow him follow his example:
“You know that … rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and … exercise authority over them,” he said. “But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (10:42-45).
He said this only days before he arrived in Jerusalem and stood trial before the powerful religious and political rulers of his day, including Herod himself. Like John before him, Jesus would pay the ultimate price for living by his convictions.
But in the greatest surprise of all time, his dubious death would be the crowning achievement of his messianic ministry. For three days later he would be raised to new life as the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords.
Herod enjoyed the trappings of power while it lasted. Before long, however, he was exiled to Gaul, and he and his ill-gotten wife died in obscurity. In contrast to this, the movement begun by Jesus changed the course of world history as, little by little, life by life, people began to follow Jesus and to live the Jesus way.
Over the centuries, the church has wrestled with the temptation to power. We have not always gotten it right. But when we do, we can rest assured knowing that one day we will hear those blessed words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mt 25:21).