Tuesday 12 November 2024
Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. (v. 20)
Background
As Mark's Gospel continues to introduce us to Jesus, two questions are emerging. The first is “Who is this Jesus?” In the opening verses of our reading today we begin to see some answers to this, although deeper insights still await us, particularly in chapter 8. The second question is “What does it mean to follow Jesus?”
Discipleship is a recurring and increasingly important theme for Mark. Today’s passage carries with it the implication that the road of this discipleship will not be easy.
Given that Mark, like every ancient writer, was limited in the amount of papyrus he could use to tell his story it’s rather surprising that he goes into this much detail about the death of John the Baptist. It is, of course, a strong tale of scandal and intrigue and therefore makes for interesting reading. Furthermore Mark’s first community will have been interested to learn how Herod, the foolish powerful man, did not want to lose face and so was forced into a corner. Perhaps most importantly it prefigures the road that Jesus himself would walk because he was perceived as a threat to the power and control of others.
We can imagine that Jesus was more than a little upset by John’s fate. As well as being related to each other they were partners in ministry, as Jesus made very clear by coming to John for baptism at the outset of his travels. (Mark 1:5-11) Perhaps this incident underlined for Jesus what his own obedience to the Father (God) would entail and he, too, would be killed. Yet he went forward with courage.
To Ponder:
- Herod made a foolish promise and then had to act against what he knew to be right in order to save face. How can we avoid falling into the same trap?
- Try to imagine how Jesus felt as he learned of John’s death.
Prayer
“Show me, as my soul can bear, the depth of inbred sin; all my unbelief declare, the pride that lurks within.” (Charles Wesley: Singing the Faith 450)
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary presbyter. Originally from Ireland, he now lives in the West Midlands.