The Gospel of Mark: Death of John the Baptist

King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodiascame 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.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. ~ Mark 6:14-29


And now for a flashback!

John has appeared only briefly in the story and now we get to find out what happened to him, after he was arrested. And why he was arrested!

What makes John's story so cool is that there is a historical record of this account. The Jewish historian, Josephus, wrote about John in his Antiquities around 60 years later. His account of John's death is very similar to Mark's.

So what makes this story important enough to Mark to come back to it?

John is often compared to the prophet Elijah, and there are similarities here between how he is treated by Herodias and how Elijah was treated by Jezebel.

But perhaps more apt for Mark's readers is what to see in the accounts of the deaths of both John and Jesus.

Both died at the hand of rulers, Herod and Pilate who you could say were manipulated into doing the killing. Of course, they certainly could have both said no!

But then there is what happens to them at the end. John's disciples come and bury him. They don't retreat in fear but claim him.

But Jesus' followers? 

They will abandon him. Betray him. Deny him. And then leave him to be buried by a stranger.

And these are the followers that we follow. These are the men who will take on Jesus' mantle and build his church.

That's certainly hope for me. 


Holy God, thank you for the gospel - the good news - of your Son. Open my mind and heart to this good news and enliven me with your Spirit of servanthood that I might share this good news with a world in need. Amen



Engagement Question:


What do you make of John's story? Where is the good news?


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