Miracles in the Name of Jesus - The God of Special Providence

What Happened to John the Baptist?

(Mark 6:14-29, Preaching: Pastor Stephen Magee, January 13, 2018)

[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.” [17] For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. [18] For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” [19] And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, [20] for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

[21] But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. [22] For when Herodias's daughter came in 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.” [23] And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” [24] And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” [25] And she came in immediately with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” [26] And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. [27] And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison [28] and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. [29] When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Who is Jesus?

As we make good use of this horrifying passage, we must not forget that the context of the recounting of this earlier story has to do with the troubling question of the identity of Jesus. Who was this Man? We are told that “King Herod heard” of something? What was it? From the previous verses we know that the Lord had sent out His disciples two by two in order to preach. He also gave them authority to cast out demons and to heal the sick, which they did. Where did this power shining forth in the Name of Jesus come from? Some were saying that Jesus was really John the Baptist raised from the dead. Others proposed different suggestions.

Herod Antipas was persuaded that it was indeed John. It is intriguing that John would be guessed, since the working of miracles is not particularly associated with his name. Perhaps John's clear message was so convicting that many believed that this new ministry accompanied by signs from heaven must be from John. Herod thought that the story of John was over. Now it seemed that it was not so is to be rid of the truth. Herod was afraid.

Herod's Fear Considered

What was Herod so afraid of? Herod Antipas, the youngest son of Herod the Great, had entered into a relationship with Herodias, his niece and the wife of his half brother, Philip. At the time Antipas and Herodias were both married to other people. Both then divorced their spouses and entered into a new marriage covenant with each other. John said that this was “unlawful,” either because Herodias was the niece of Antipas, or because both Antipas and Herodias had pursued unlawful divorces and then had married unlawfully, or for both of these reasons. In any case Herodias found John's opposition to her uncle impossible to ignore, and she sought to destroy him.

Antipas feared John, but he also protected the prophet from the murderous intentions of Herodias. He was greatly “perplexed” by John's message of repentance and the kingdom of God. We learn that Antipas heard John gladly, but the time soon came when he would deliver John over to death.

The Trap for Herod and John

When the opportunity arose for Herodias, she seized upon it. We have read the story of her daughter's dancing in the presence of dignitaries and all that transpired so quickly after the extravagant public words of Antipas at his own birthday celebration. The daughter of Herodias sought her mother for advice regarding what she might ask Antipas for on this strange occasion. The young dancer relayed the horrific instruction: “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

Herod's excuse in this matter looks pitifully weak. He protected his own pride, and his vicious wife was able to bring about the unjust murder of a righteous man.

Actions have consequences, and one of the results of this horrible episode in history is that Antipas was troubled when he heard that Jesus and those serving in His Name were performing great signs. He determined that John had risen from the dead. Of course, this was not true. What was true was that Herod Antipas was unsettled by the events of the day. It was further true that Jesus was not John, but the Christ, the Son of God.

John the Baptist was an extraordinary servant of God who ended his days on the earth as a martyr. How could this be right? Why would God allow it? Can there be any sense in the teaching of our fathers in the faith that God not only permits, but even ordains all things which come to pass?

Glorious victories for the Lord's children may sometimes appear to be our worst defeats. John's faithfulness to the Lord in the face of powerful opposition was his finest hour.

How do we evaluate tragedies and triumphs in the kingdom of God? More importantly, how does the Almighty look upon His beloved servants who suffer for the sake of Jesus and His righteousness? Consider these two words of God to His children: “Well done.”

Is God really in charge of everything? Yes. (Psalms 33:11, Isaiah 14:24, Acts 2:23, Ephesians 1:11-12). Could God actually being doing great things in the most horrific events of life in a fallen world? Yes, especially for His chosen ones. Notice WCF 5-7. “As the providence of God does, in general, reach to all creatures; so, after a most special manner, it takes care of his Church, and disposes all things to the good thereof. (1Timothy 4:10, Amos 9:8-9, Romans 8:28-29, Isaiah 43:3-5,14)”

Can there be comfort only in persecution, or is there also hope in accident and evil? Yes. Because Jesus was not John sent back to plague Herod, but the God of all providence.

For further meditation, consider Romans 5:1-11, Romans 8:18-39, and James 1:9-11. This world is not all there is. There is something beyond the temporary. Jesus lives.

Old Testament Reading—Psalm 92 – Bearing Christian Fruit in a Fallen World

New Testament Reading—James 1:9-11 – Temporary Glory