The Bible Study –
Our reading for Monday, Feb. 26 is Mark 6:14-34.
Herod’s guilt over ordering the murder of John the Baptist leads to fear.
He worries that Jesus is John returned from the dead.
John had spoken out against Herod’s adulterous union with his brother’s wife, Herodias.
Today when we speak God’s Law, we too can face opposition and anger by those with no respect for His Word.
Given her sinful behaviour, Herodias is enraged that John called attention to it.
John was a prophet.
Jesus said, “among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11)
Prophets often reproached kings for their sins.
On his birthday, Herod throws a party for nobles and military leaders.
Herodias’ daughter dances seductively for the ruler in an act calculated to gain favour.
Herod offers her anything she wants.
The girl seeks her mother’s advice on what to request, and Herodias, inspired by evil, tells her.
She asks for John’s severed head on a platter; the tyrant complies.
Herod has ironically attempted to hide the sin of adultery by resorting to murder.
The theologian Ambrose (c. 339 – c. 397) wrote that this, “is not repentance on the part of the king, but a confession of guilt.”
The tragic end of John the Baptist’s life is a Biblical foreshadowing of what Christ will face: rejection and violent hostility driven by evil.
Yet evil will not overcome the resurrected Lord.
Christ’s victory over death and the devil has become our own.
Our Lord has won believers a triumph over the grave.
To Him who grants salvation and eternal life, be all honour and glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
Pastor Tom Steers
Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto
http://christlutherantoronto.org/beliefs
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