Mark 6:14-29
Jesus is Not John
Devotional 30 of 50 · Mark chapter 6
Audio coming soon
Mark 6:14-29 · BSB
14Now King Herod heard about this, for Jesus’ name had become well known, and people were saying, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15Others were saying, “He is Elijah,” and still others, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16But when Herod heard this, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has risen from the dead!” 17For Herod himself had ordered that John be arrested and bound and imprisoned, on account of his brother Philip’s wife Herodias, whom Herod had married. 18For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19So Herodias held a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she had been unable, 20because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. When he heard John’s words, he was greatly perplexed; yet he listened to him gladly. 21On Herod’s birthday, her opportunity arose. Herod held a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodias came 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 to you.” 23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” 24Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” 26The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison. 28The man brought John’s head on a platter and presented it to the girl, who gave it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard about this, they came and took his body and placed it in a tomb.
Jesus
Not much is said about Jesus in this text, other than people speculating if Jesus is John the Baptist rising from the dead. This theory might have still been spreading when Mark wrote this gospel, and this historical account would have silenced these claims. If that was the case, Mark’s explanation would have put that theory to bed because John’s head was with Herodias and his body was in a tomb.
At this point in Jesus’ ministry, it is believed that more people knew about John the Baptist than Jesus. John was the first prophet of God in 400 years and came on the scene in a dramatic way. We also see Jesus repeatedly tell people, and spirits, not to tell the fullness of the miracles and His true nature. John's popularity and influence led to Herod’s speculation about the origin of these amazing stories he heard. Little did Herod know that the one doing these works would not only be resurrected, but defeat death for all those who believe in Him.
His Desires
Reading between the lines, we see John the Baptist being faithful to the very end. He prepared the way for Jesus, and likewise, fulfilled His calling. He was the last of the old covenant prophets of God, and He likewise gave up His life for the Lord. He was not of this world and this world hated Him. Although Jesus doesn’t say anything in this scripture, we can be inspired by John to be faithful and bold, even unto death.
Follow Through
- Know that Jesus is the miracle-working Messiah.
- Seek to be faithful all our days.
Testimonies
This is where people will share how they actually obeyed this passage — and read what happened to everyone else who obeyed the same words.
Coming soon
Devotional 30 of 50
Comments
Coming soon. This is where readers will share how they obeyed this passage.