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A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to MARK
PART 4 - Jesus' Great Miracles in Galilee and its Surroundings (Mark 3:7 - 8:26)
9. King Herod’s Fear after the Death of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14-29)MARK 6:14-29 John the Baptist was the most significant man of his time. He was greater than all prophets, for he recognized and foretold, through the Holy Spirit, that Christ would not come to destroy our world with deadly weapons, and to bring down fire from heaven on unbelievers, but he would be the meek Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of men. John strove for God in the spirit and power of Elijah the prophet. He came to King Herod and denounced the immorality in his heart. Therefore, the king flared up and put the man of truth in a dark prison. Yet the king felt that John was an honest prophet, so he consulted him secretly about his political affairs, and did according to his advice, for his retinue had flattered him and not given him sound advice. Though the king obeyed the prophet and benefited from his advice, he did not obey him with regard to the purity of the body, and the holiness of marriage. Herodias, who lived with the king as his wife though she was his brother’s wife, disliked John the Baptist in her heart, because of his rebuke to the king. She thought night and day of a way to get rid of this witness of God. Therefore, when her daughter danced seductively at Herod’s birthday feast, and charmed the king, Herodias seized the opportunity to take revenge. She persuaded her daughter to ask for the head of John the Baptist, as her reward for pleasing the king, for Herod had promised her anything she wanted, even as much as half his kingdom. Since he was under oath and did not want to lose face before his guests, Herod ordered John’s execution. As such, the prophet of God was unjustly killed as a price for the adulterous king’s drunkenness, the bloody revenge in the heart of Herodias, and the seductive dance of her daughter. On first consideration, it looked as if the powers of the world were stronger than the kingdom of God. However, those who raped and extorted had always been convicted and pricked by their conscience. When Herod heard about the works of Jesus, and the effectual preaching of his disciples, he trembled with fear. This dissolute king, who had contacts with the spirits of the dead, thought that the spirit of the slain John the Baptist had risen from the dead and dwelt in Jesus, who came now to destroy him and take the kingdom from him by force. Power, riches, and lust do not, in fact, strengthen man, nor do they make him satisfied and secure. But truth, purity, and reconciled conscience give you peace in your sleep, and joy in your eyes. Do not covet the world or the desirable sex, but choose holiness and the active power of God in humility, for he who believes in Christ becomes conformed to his image, and lives in the peace of God forever. PRAYER: O Lord, we thank you for the testimony of the courageous John the Baptist. Forgive our cowardliness, for we do not often call the sin of men by its name, preaching forgiveness before emphasizing repentance and return. Teach us to serve you honestly, and sanctify us that we may walk in the image of your humility, and practice your endless love. Amen. QUESTION:
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