Thursday, June 8, 2017

Herod and John

1At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, 2and he said to his attendants, “This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.”
3Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4for John had been saying to him: “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet. (Matthew 14) 

Thoughts: Herod felt guilt- he was also semi-religious (which leads to superstitious behavior).   Herod felt guilt over killing John, and so he felt Jesus was John incarnated or risen from the dead.
     Herod had married Herodias, his brother's wife who left Philip to marry Herod.  Herodias didn't want anyone saying she shouldn't do this.  She wanted John silenced, and jail was not enough.  Herod also wanted to silence his critic John, but was afraid to do so.  Sometimes, we need to hear our critics.  Herod and Herodias should have listened to John instead of trying to silence him.  A better solution might be to ask John what they could do now.  Rulers who think they can do no wrong and do not listen to those who think differently can get in quick trouble.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to have ears to hear you speaking through others- even those who are critical- that I might live in a way that pleases you.  

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