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Articles
The Death of John
The story of the death of John the Baptist is one of the sad and tragic events of the New Testament. I think there are several lessons to be learned from this event. We can read about it in Mark 6:16-29.
The reason for his death was that he had boldly spoken out about the sin of Herod and Herodias, "For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife." vs.18. I can take courage from the example of this great man of God, to speak out on that which is sin and wrong doing. John called a "spade a spade" in this matter, he did not mince words and beat around the bush.
Then notice from our text, that Herodias then had it in for him, "Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not" vs.19. But this evil, vile, wicked woman would not just drop the matter, but found the occasion to do him in.
It seems that Herod was taken away with the dancing of Herodias’ daughter, vs22. Herod was so pleased that he offered her, up to half his kingdom, vs.23. Notice then in verse 24, "And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist." This is exactly what she asked for of King Herod, vs.25. What a lesson on the power and influence of a mother. Herodias could have been an instrument for good, but no, she was an instrument for evil.
Herod illustrates to us, about what a rash and foolish man is. No doubt his conscience bothered him over this matter, "And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her" vs.26. I would hope we could learn to be careful what we promise.
And finally, I see a wonderful care and devotion on the part of his disciples, "And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb." The love and compassion that moved them to go and get the body of John, it would have been a grim task for any man to have to do.
