Mark 6:14-16
The Death of John the Baptist
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He 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.”
Wicked rulers use death as a way to terrorize and dominate a population. This is as common in the past as it is today. King Herod, though he was tricked into executing John the Baptist, still refused to lose face in front of the population. So he executed John to demonstrate his authority and terrible rule.
But, what if such a terrible authority could be undone? When King Herod heard about Jesus, he feared that John had in fact been raised from the dead. This brought terror to the guilty King’s soul. If there is a resurrection, the King’s greatest threat could be broken.
The fact is, something more wonderful was about to happen. As John’s soul rested in paradise with the Lord, having completed His calling, Jesus entered to fulfill the Love of God and promise of the Father to send a Savior. Through Jesus, all powers of evil would be overcome.
Once again a wicked ruler exercised a self serving authority and commanded that Jesus be executed. Earthly rulers once again thought that they had established their way. But, God had other plans.
Jesus came to die on the cross, and bear the wages of the Sin of the World. On the third day, Jesus rose from the dead, demonstrating God’s authority to forgive sins and raise to life all who trust in Jesus. Earthly authorities, and all those who opposed Jesus, were terrified. But now, all who confess their sins, and trust in the Lord Jesus, will be saved.
The wicked fear the resurrection, for at the resurrection they will face the true judge of their souls. But, for those who trust in God’s mercy and grace in Jesus, there is no fear. There is only the resurrection of the dead and life everlasting with the Lord.
Let us pray,
I thank you Lord Jesus for facing all the terrors of this life and earthly rulers for my sake. I praise you for bearing my sin and suffering death for me. I praise you for your glorious resurrection from the dead and for giving me the gift of eternal life. Grant peace to your people in their trials, remind us always of your victory, and help us in faith to look forward in confidence to the day of the resurrection. In your name I pray, AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.