Day Thirteen
Scripture: Mark 6:14-29
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, ‘John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.’ 15 But others said, ‘It is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ 17 For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. 18 For John had been telling Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. 22 When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.’ 23 And he solemnly swore to her, ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.’ 24 She went out and said to her mother, ‘What should I ask for?’ She replied, ‘The head of John the baptizer.’ 25 Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.’ 26 The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
Observation:
“Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”
What would you ask if someone powerful enough said this to you? Well, for me, I’m thinking of a brand new Fender guitar. Maybe a Tesla? Why not a nice house in Palo Alto?
It’s a tragedy that the girl ended up asking for the head of the prophet on a platter instead of all the wonderful things in the world she could have. How could she live with this trauma?
What a tragic story! Tragedy for the girl who didn’t know what to ask and sought her mom’s advice, which led to the death of the righteous man. Tragedy for Herod, who was hesitant to kill the prophet out of fear but beheaded him anyway to keep his honor. Tragedy for John’s disciples for losing their rabbi in this horrible way. Tragedy for the people of Israel who witnessed another prophetic voice from the wilderness being silenced.
The only character that is happy in this story is the queen: she got what she wanted. All she wanted was to kill the man who spoke against her marriage. Her wish for vengeance must have consumed her. Was she really happy when she saw the head of John on a platter? Did the queen ever come to realize what she had done to her daughter, husband, and her people?
Oh God, I wish for nothing. Nothing but staying in your presence.
Application:
What is your wish today?
Do you think your wish is aligned with God’s will for you?
Prayer / Reflection:
Song of Reflection: Give Me Jesus with Yerim, Haeyul, and Jane