This passage has Jerry Springer written all over it – and rightfully so.
But before there was the Jerry Springer Show, there were the scriptures. This happens to be “just one of many” such cases and many such texts!
If I have this right, (and I think I do) – Herod was initially married to the daughter of a king (for political treaty purposes) – then, King Herod visited his half-brother, Herod Philip I.
While there, he fell in love with his brother’s wife, Herodias.
We are not told what happened to his first wife.
Herodias is the granddaughter of Herod the Great, who happens to be the father of Herod Antipas.
I get it. I know this is terribly confusing.
In other words, Herodias is Herod’s niece.
Herod Antipas was a Jew. And being married to your niece, according to the law, is incest and therefore a sin.
And let’s not even go to the part about being married to your brother’s wife-while your brother is still alive.
To add to the debauchery, Herod threw a birthday bash for himself. Herodias’ daughter (unnamed but assumed to be) Salome, danced for him.
Just a little word about that dancing: it wasn’t the minuet that she was doing.
Chances are pretty good that she was naked as the day she was born and the dance was – let’s say somewhat provocative.
Now Salome would have been his step-daughter, niece and grandniece…all at the same time!
It was all one big sorted affair.
Herod was weak. He was easily seduced.
He was impulsive and reckless. And although he respected John and even feared the fiery prophet, he didn’t fear him enough – after having a few too many goblets of wine.
A word to the wise: Be careful about “what” and “how much you consume.”
You know what they say about – there being no fool – like an old fool? I am sure it was applied to Herod.
The only semi-honorable thing that Herod does in the entire story is to reluctantly keep his promise made to his step-daughter/niece/grand niece.
Had he not done so, his officers would no longer trust him.
So again, once you open your mouth and say something – or give your word, the expectation is there – that you will follow through…
Unfortunately for John, Herod followed through with his promise.
Now scholars have wondered about this particular story for years.
It is not about Jesus.
Mark who is seemingly in such a hurry, pauses to include this story within his narrative. Why?
Some say the death of the Baptizer is a foreshadowing of things to come.
Still others say, it is a part of Mark’s continued assault of the disciples.
This story ends with John’s disciples coming and taking his body to “lay it in a tomb.”
If we compare and contrast the two sets of disciples – Jesus’ do not fair very well. They even abandoned Jesus’ body.
Perhaps this story was meant to speak to disciples and followers of Jesus in all ages.
Being a disciple or a follower isn’t necessarily a piece of cake. Don’t get too rapped up thinking it will be about fun, fame, miracles and wonders.
It is a story that talks about the death of a good man – who was executed because of the weakness, capriciousness and vengeance of someone in power.
Good people still die. Followers of Jesus – are still randomly put to death.
Our world is a dangerous place…it always has been. We need to be careful out there.
Proclaiming the good news about God is not about ego, fame and honor, it is definitely not some kind of heroic quest that we are on…
It is all about “humble service” – it’s about “doing for others” and loving in the face of total disregard. It’s about holding your head up high. And doing the right thing…
It is about “walking the walk” that we call – faith. It is about a belief and a trust in someone more powerful than I.
It is a silent unspoken prayer that says “Not my will – but thy will be done.”
It is a bit of reality, harsh reality in the sixth chapter of Mark’s gospel. Then, the story goes on…
So, why was this included?????