Mark 6:14-29Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
John the Baptist Beheaded
14 King Herod heard of this, because Jesus’ name had become well known. Some[a] said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that’s why supernatural powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He’s Elijah.” Still others said, “He’s a prophet[b]—like one of the prophets.”
16 When Herod heard of it, he said, “John, the one I beheaded, has been raised!” 17 For Herod himself had given orders to arrest John and to chain him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19 So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not, 20 because Herod was in awe of[c] John and was protecting him, knowing he was a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard him he would be very disturbed,[d] yet would hear him gladly.
21 Now an opportune time came on his birthday, when Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, military commanders, and the leading men of Galilee. 22 When Herodias’s own daughter[e] came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I’ll give it to you.” 23 So he swore oaths to her: “Whatever you ask me I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24 Then she went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”
“John the Baptist’s head!” she said.
25 Immediately she hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a platter—right now!”
26 Though the king was deeply distressed, because of his oaths and the guests[f] he did not want to refuse her. 27 The king immediately sent for an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s head. So he went and beheaded him in 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[g]heard about it, they came and removed his corpse and placed it in a tomb.
Questions:
- What might have Jesus done to become so well known that Herod would have heard of Him?
- Jesus has performed many miracles within the last year, many people hear of Him.
2. Why did Herod’s wife not like John?
- Because John told Herod he shouldn’t marry his brother’s wife.
3. Before John’s death what type of person was Herod acting like?
- Like a fool. He was prideful and wanted to show off in front of his guests.
4. How did Herod feel after he told the executioner to behead John?
- In deep distress, but he still went through with it. Notice “Because of his oath and the guests he did not want to refuse her. He could have refused her. Sure his word would have been tarnished, but John would still be alive. His pride in himself killed John.
