A sad interlude
| They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them. King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in Him." Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago." But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!" (Mark6:12-16) |
Across the land people were hearing the news of the coming Kingdom of God and seeing its power in miracles, healings and exorcisms.
News of this reached Herod and provoked an interesting guilt response.
A little background...
- John the Baptist (JohnB) publicly condemned Herod for taking his brother's wife, Herodias.
- Herod had him arrested.
- Herodias held a grudge against John.
- Herod was fascinated but intimidated by John and would occasionally listen to him preach.
- One night at a party, Herodias' daughter danced for Herod and his guests. Intoxicated by alcohol and her performance, Herod foolishly granted her a wish.
- On her mother's advice, she asked for JohnB's head on a platter. Because of his guests and the rash promise he had made, Herod felt compelled to comply.
What's striking is that Herod has a conscience about it.
Sadly, in three years' time when Jesus appears before Herod, it seems that his heart has hardened.
It's a sobering picture:
God is merciful and is at work even in environments of power, corruption and immorality. (Even today)
But humans can harden their hearts...
