Scripture

Then the king regretted what he had said, but because of the vow he had made in front of his guests, he issued the necessary orders.

Observation

Herod hears about Jesus and he believes that He must be a resurrected John the Baptist.

John the Baptist had been arrested for speaking out against Herod’s marriage to Herodias, who was the former wife of Herod’s brother.

At a birthday feast for Herod, Herodias’s daughter had pleased Herod with a dance. He offers her anything that she wants as a gift, and she asks for John’s head. So Herod has John beheaded as requested.

Application

Herod was a despotic ruler, but, it is clear in this narrative that he was motivated often by the fear of other people. He had wanted to kill John but was afraid of the reactions of the people. Then he doesn’t want to kill, John, but does so because of the vow he had made in front of his guests.

Fear of other people can motivate us to do things against our will.

People get sucked into groups of nefarious people because they refuse to say No”. Like Herod, many are coerced into acting against what they know to be right.

Politicians act to keep voters happy. Ordinary people may be bullied by employers, family members and friends. Often it is all fear of other people.

We need to stay firm in Christ. His approval. Is the only approval we need. His judgement should be the only judgement we fear.

Prayer

Lord, please rescue me from the fear of men. Grant me the grace to live a life that honours you with no thought to the opinions of others. Amen.