Thursday 29 August 2024
But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” (vs 6-8)
Background
The beheading of John the Baptist is a famous, rather gruesome event, depicted graphically in a number of notable works of art. The reason given here in Matthew’s Gospel for John’s imprisonment and killing is that Herod took exception to John publicly reproving him for leaving his wife in order to marry Herodias, the wife of his brother. The Jewish historian, Josephus, suggested that it was more to do with Herod’s fear of John rousing the people to rebellion and political revolt, such was his influence. Maybe both factors played a part in Herod’s actions?
What is certainly evident is the fear that seemed to govern Herod’s behaviour. He feared John; he feared the crowd and the potential uprising of the people; he feared breaking his oath and appearing weak in front of his guests, and he probably feared Herodias too. This is in marked contrast to the fearlessness of John – and the courage of his disciples who came to take the body away for burial.
Fear and insecurity in a leader is not healthy and leads to poor decision-making. This was evident in a book I read recently about the last few weeks in the life of the Italian fascist dictator, Mussolini, and we see it in some of the leaders currently operating on the world stage today. The notion of servant leadership is easily lost in such circumstances and the focus turns to self-preservation and hostility.
Both John the Baptist and Jesus offer very different models of leadership from Herod. They are secure enough in their calling and mission to act out of trust rather than fear; to be authentic and at ease with themselves; to be prepared to take risks and be vulnerable. Both are clearly seeking to serve others rather than themselves, as shown by John’s words about Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30) and Jesus’ words about himself, "For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve." (Mark 10:45)
It seems evident that what is needed in all contexts is leaders who follow in the footsteps of John and Jesus, rather than Herod.
To Ponder:
- What experience do you have of good leadership and how do you reflect on it in the light of John the Baptist, Jesus and Herod?
- Do you exercise leadership, and if so, what is important to you in how you are as a leader?
- In what ways might having faith in God help us to be more secure and authentic people?
Prayer
Creator God, we pray for leaders in our world who are seeking to serve in authentic and selfless ways – and we pray that in our own leadership roles we might be inspired by John the Baptist and Jesus. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Graham Jones
Graham is a Methodist presbyter serving as a member of the Learning Network and is based in York. He is committed to developing ministry in its broadest sense, enabling both lay and ordained to live out their vocations and to share in God's mission in the most fulfilling and effective ways.