The Beheading of John the Baptist

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 14:1-12. We see Herod the Tetrach's response as he hears about the fame of Jesus. His only explanation is a risen John the Baptist from the grave. We are then led through a flashback and witness the sordid and disturbing details that led to the beheading of John. We see in Herod a leader who was afraid of John, his wife, the people, and his guests. Herod is a man who is controlled by what others might think of him. A bad ruler fears the people instead of God. A good ruler fears God instead of the people. We look back at the parables in chapter thirteen and how they related to understanding this passage. We close by seeing that this was in essence a rejection of Jesus and his message. This rejection was necessary to fulfill God's plan of salvation. Following Jesus is free and costs you everything you have. It is entirely worth it. Would God give us grace to lose our life for Jesus' sake and in so doing, find life everlasting.