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, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!” For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to, because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him. Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.” And he promised her with an oath, “Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” “The head of John the Baptist,” she answered. At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. On hearing of this, John’s disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

There are many heathen paths in life, different religions and beliefs. Some of these seem pleasurable and fun in the process. However, in the end they lead to destruction.

I am sure that Herod did not anticipate all of the repercussions of taking his brother’s wife. Most likely this started out in some drunken party and later resulted in a power play of some sort. But Herod knew this was wrong,

John the Baptist called him out on it. He called out this public sin most likely for a few reasons: 1) He wanted Herod to repent and be saved, 2) He wanted to call it out to everyone to discourage others from following down a similar path of sin, and 3) Clearly the Holy Spirit prompted him to call it out.

When this happened, Herod had a choice: he could have repented and returned his brother’s wife to him or he could continue on in sin. He chose the latter option. And this resulted in sin compounded.

Herod had John the Baptist arrested for questioning him in this way. Then Herodias became resentful of John questioning her moral character and wanted revenge. So she had her young daughter dance before the king in such a way as to greatly please him and get him to grant her a wish. We don’t know all the details here, but we do know that intermarrying and sexual promiscuity were prevalent in Roman culture. In my opinion, it is likely that this young woman was likely sent to interest and arouse the king sexually. Otherwise, why would he offer up a gift, of up to half of his kingdom, to her for a mere dance?

No matter the details, the advantage had been gained by Herodias through her daughter and she had John the Baptist murdered with her daughter’s granted wish — his head on a platter. What a grotesque and evil way to celebrate at a party!

Now we find that Herod, who did not kill John beforehand because he knew he was a holy man, is haunted by the thought that he has come back to life in the form of Jesus.

The problem with embracing evil is that it deceives our hearts. Evil uses fear and the pursuit of passions to warp our minds and control us. We become slaves to evil.

Romans 1 in the second half of the chapter details the fall of mankind into sin. First, they do not acknowledge God or thank him for what he has done. This results in their hearts being darkened.
Second, their consciences were seared and God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts, to do sexual acts that ought not be done. Third, homosexuality and other perverted sexual acts are contemplated. This would include sexual acts with children. Finally, they are filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, and depravity, to do what ought not to be done.

Read what Jesus says about sin here and the bondage it creates: “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’” (‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬-‭36‬)

Herod saw this bondage firsthand in having to kill John the Baptist by granting a wish to this young girl. Then he regretted it and it haunted him later. He probably thought in fear Jesus would want revenge. But he did not know Jesus. Jesus was here to save the human race through the ultimate sacrifice of his life.

What fear do I allow to grip me so much that it may control me? Have I repented of letting sin and fear have a stronghold in my life?

Lord, thank you for your loving grace that allows us to cast aside our fears of rejection, retribution, abandonment, etc., and embrace your incredible love for us. If we receive you as our Savior and Lord, you will give us a new birth into a new Kingdom as your sons and daughters. I receive it today and live free and redeemed!