Matthew 14:1-12
There are times in Scripture, where the reality of history does not jive with our expectations or sense of "fairness." This is one of those times. We do not expect John the Baptist's life to end in this manner. It just does not seem fair that this great man's life be snuffed out by the whims of a bitter woman and a spineless leader. But that is just what happened. I want to look at this story from the perspective of each of the three main characters and try to "glean" some practical lessons that each of us would do well to heed.
John suffered under the CONSEQUENCES OF PREACHING: The truth is not always, or even often, popular. John was not one to shy away from speaking the truth, no matter what the consequences. He saw Herod living in open sin with Herodias, and he called them on it. This bold commitment to proclaiming the truth landed him in prison, and eventually, landed his head on a platter. In reality, this result should not surprise us since countless prophets and Christ, himself, were persecuted and killed for speaking the truth. I must be willing to face the same fate. The truth of God's Word will often be met by adverse or even violent responses. This fact must never dissuade me from boldly proclaiming God's Word. While this stance might result in unpleasant and seemingly unfair consequences today, it is a comfort to know that God's final judgment will be eternally just.
Herodias suffered under the CONVICTION OF PERVERSION: The incestuous life that she had chosen to live was perverse, and she knew it. However, those who live in open sin do not like to be reminded of that fact. Sinners want what they want when they want it and woe to the person who dares to speak out against them. She, mistakenly, thought that she could use her influence and power to put her mind at ease by locking up the messenger. Next, she had his head removed. I doubt that worked either. I imagine she still suffered many sleepless nights tossing and turning with the convicting message of John ringing in her ears. She must have had some vivid nightmares with his voice echoing in her mind coming out of a dismembered head on a blood soaked platter. Conviction of sin is a gift from God meant to lead us to repentance and forgiveness in Christ. However, when we stubbornly refuse to turn from our sin and turn a deaf ear to the multitude of messages with which the Spirit bombards us, we are destined to be disturbed under the conviction of sin. I must maintain a tender heart toward the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and the message of the Scriptures, so that I might quickly turn from sin and avoid the hard heartedness of Herodias.
Herod suffered under the CONDEMNATION OF PRIDE: Herod, like a typical politician, was caught in the trap of pleasing people. In order to please his wife, he threw John in jail. In order to please the mob he didn't dare execute him. In order to save face in front of his party guests he grants his step daughter's wish and orders that John be decapitated. Herod looks like a leader being yanked in all directions like a puppet under to the control of multiple manipulators. His pride prevented him from admitting his sin and standing up for what he knew to be right. What a stark contrast between this weak leader and the bold man he beheaded! Pride blinds us to the error of our way and condemns us to a life of being blown about by the winds of public opinion. I must resolve to do what is right no matter the opinions of others but must also have the humility to recognize when I am wrong and repent.
Herod lost his backbone because of his pride. Herodias lost her soul because of her bitterness. John lost his head because of his courage. In the end, I think it is clear that John's plight if far more favorable. The rewards of courageous obedience and commitment to the truth are not readily visible on this earth. If fact, at first glance, they may seem to be unfair. However, God is just and will, in eternity, avenge the heads of men like John and reward the faithfulness of those who have the courage to proclaim the truth.
John suffered under the CONSEQUENCES OF PREACHING: The truth is not always, or even often, popular. John was not one to shy away from speaking the truth, no matter what the consequences. He saw Herod living in open sin with Herodias, and he called them on it. This bold commitment to proclaiming the truth landed him in prison, and eventually, landed his head on a platter. In reality, this result should not surprise us since countless prophets and Christ, himself, were persecuted and killed for speaking the truth. I must be willing to face the same fate. The truth of God's Word will often be met by adverse or even violent responses. This fact must never dissuade me from boldly proclaiming God's Word. While this stance might result in unpleasant and seemingly unfair consequences today, it is a comfort to know that God's final judgment will be eternally just.
Herodias suffered under the CONVICTION OF PERVERSION: The incestuous life that she had chosen to live was perverse, and she knew it. However, those who live in open sin do not like to be reminded of that fact. Sinners want what they want when they want it and woe to the person who dares to speak out against them. She, mistakenly, thought that she could use her influence and power to put her mind at ease by locking up the messenger. Next, she had his head removed. I doubt that worked either. I imagine she still suffered many sleepless nights tossing and turning with the convicting message of John ringing in her ears. She must have had some vivid nightmares with his voice echoing in her mind coming out of a dismembered head on a blood soaked platter. Conviction of sin is a gift from God meant to lead us to repentance and forgiveness in Christ. However, when we stubbornly refuse to turn from our sin and turn a deaf ear to the multitude of messages with which the Spirit bombards us, we are destined to be disturbed under the conviction of sin. I must maintain a tender heart toward the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit and the message of the Scriptures, so that I might quickly turn from sin and avoid the hard heartedness of Herodias.
Herod suffered under the CONDEMNATION OF PRIDE: Herod, like a typical politician, was caught in the trap of pleasing people. In order to please his wife, he threw John in jail. In order to please the mob he didn't dare execute him. In order to save face in front of his party guests he grants his step daughter's wish and orders that John be decapitated. Herod looks like a leader being yanked in all directions like a puppet under to the control of multiple manipulators. His pride prevented him from admitting his sin and standing up for what he knew to be right. What a stark contrast between this weak leader and the bold man he beheaded! Pride blinds us to the error of our way and condemns us to a life of being blown about by the winds of public opinion. I must resolve to do what is right no matter the opinions of others but must also have the humility to recognize when I am wrong and repent.
Herod lost his backbone because of his pride. Herodias lost her soul because of her bitterness. John lost his head because of his courage. In the end, I think it is clear that John's plight if far more favorable. The rewards of courageous obedience and commitment to the truth are not readily visible on this earth. If fact, at first glance, they may seem to be unfair. However, God is just and will, in eternity, avenge the heads of men like John and reward the faithfulness of those who have the courage to proclaim the truth.
wow - such a vivid reminder and contrast (as you can see I'm more behind in reading these than I though I was!! but I'm working on catching up =) - for some reason I always forget about this chapter, and every time I read it I'm shocked - but there it is - we can never claim that God didn't tell us the cost - still I'm with you, I'd rather be John than the other two - imagine what eternity will be like for him! =D
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