We haven’t heard much about John the Baptist’s ministry since our first reading in Mark. The account of John’s death would have made an impact on many people. You’ll recall John had been the one God chose to announce Jesus’ coming into the world. John’s ministry encouraged his fellow Jews to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized.
Herod Antipas was the Jewish king of the land in those days, and we learn here that he respected John as a holy man. Can you imagine the anguish he felt when he had to order John’s death? Never in a million years had he thought his daughter would ask for such a thing as the appreciation gift for her dance. What a barbaric request!
But it wasn’t really what the girl wanted. She was only pleasing her mother. John had exposed the light on Herodias’ sin, and she didn’t like it one bit. Her daughter’s opportunity gave Herodias, the mother, exactly what she wanted. Eliminating the one who had pointed out the disgrace was a victory. I feel bad for the daughter who could have had a really great reward.
John’s purpose in life was fulfilled, even if his life was brutally cut short. John pointed people to Jesus. I can think of another man in our present day whose life was cut short for exposing the darkness. Charlie Kirk was a political figure in the United States, but he wanted to be remembered for his faith. Charlie changed many lives and set them on a path toward Jesus. God uses all of us for His purposes.
We have a bit of a flashback in our reading today. John’s death is recalled when Herod finally hears about the stir Jesus is making. Herod’s claim that Jesus was actually John the Baptist is quite ridiculous. Herod isn’t remembered as a religious man, particularly because of his adulterous relationship with his brother’s wife. But the fact that he “respected” John and “protected” him, up until the end, does suggest to me that he was at least intrigued by John’s message.
It can be hard for us to read passages like this because of the brutality. It’s hard to fathom such a gruesome thing happening. Yet, in our world today, numbers of Christians are brutally attacked and killed for their faith. Sadly, we don’t see that in the headlines all that often. However, Newsweek reported, “More than 7,000 Christians had been killed in Nigeria during the first 220 days of 2025.” Brutality is never easy to take, and our brothers and sisters in the faith are still suffering.
For people today who don’t know Jesus, I wonder how many are “curious” about him. We can learn more about Jesus each time we read the Bible. In fact, we can even read the same passage and glean new wisdom each time. The Bible is alive like that. What a great resource we have at our disposal!
As believers, it’s our job to live our lives in such a way that we make Jesus attractive to those who don’t know him. Have you ever heard that we may be the only Bible someone ever reads? What does that mean to you? Living an authentic life, full of compassion, mercy, and love, is a great place to start. Asking ourselves, “What would Jesus do?” is another helpful tip. To know how to answer that question requires that we know Jesus or at least ask him for direction.
How are you doing at displaying your faith through your actions? We can all be like John and tell people about Jesus’ love and compassion.
Let’s pray. Lord, I thank you for the faithful example of John the Baptist, who boldly lived out his mission. Help me to process the reality of John’s death and the evil desires that precipitated it. Protect your faithful ones in this world as we face opposition each day. Deliver us from evil. Help me to boldly live a faithful life so others will see you living through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
