Back to the Basics: The mistaken Identity of Christ

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:1-12

Passage: Mark 6:14-29

Intro: Have you ever had an identity crisis? Where one day you just wake up and seemingly just do not know who you are any more?

Or have you ever had your identity stolen. Where all of a sudden you have massive debt because some one “Wanted to be you.”

What about have you ever been mistaken for someone else? I remember when I was a little kid, I was in the grocery store, and I wondered away from my mom. So i was lost. But I saw this lady and went up to her, and walked with her for a second. Because she looked like my mom. ANd then I realized my mistake. This was not my mom. Thankfully, the lady was really good friends with my mom, but still I remember being so embarrased. But I remember mistaking this lady for my mom.

But mistaken identity happens all the time, and today we will see how it happened to Jesus, and how it still happens to Jesus to this day.

Passage Context: As we are continuing through the book of Mark, the author is describing Jesus, and how he is the Messiah. And as we continue through the Book, we find ourselves in chapter 6. In chapter 6, Mark is showing the reader the reactions to who people think Jesus is. In verses 1-6 Mark shows the reaction of the people of Nazarath to Jesus’ return. Then in verses 7-13 we will see next week that Jesus sends his disciples out to proclaim and we will see next week what they proclaimed. But in between Jesus sending out his disciples and the disciples return to Jesus, we see what King Herod believed of Jesus.

And in the telling of who King Herod believed Jesus was, we see a story of John the Baptist. But I want to argue something, this story is not give the reader a conclusion on John the Baptist, but rather to tell the reader of who Jesus is.

READ PASSAGE HERE

Passage explanation:

When we read this passage we see the author Mark tell a story inside of a story. Its not really an illustration as much as it is a story inside of a story.

Let me explain. Mark is revealing the identity of Jesus. This is his main theme in the book of Mark. And to reveal the true identity of Jesus, Mark gets insights on how other people viewed Jesus. We have seen this with showing how the people of Nazareth, and Jesus’ family viewed him last week. But we have also seen this in Mark 3:22-30 where the Scribes commit the unpardonable sin, by saying that Jesus is of Satan.

So the book of Mark reveals the different opinions of Jesus held by different key political players, religious players, and family members of Jesus.

So now we see that Mark is showing the identity of Jesus, by revealing Herod’s view of Jesus.

Now remember, Mark’s main point in telling this passage is not to tell the reader of what happened to John the Baptist, although it does, but the main point

Main Point: The main point of this passage is to show the identity of Jesus, by revealing the mistaken identity that Herod held of Jesus.

Call to Action: This passage gives us three scenes that show three ways to avoid having a mistaken identity of Jesus.

Scene 1: King Herod knows of Jesus. Mark 6:14

Point 1: Avoiding a mistaken identity of Christ means Knowing who Jesus truly is.

Explanation: This passage starts by setting the scene of telling the reader that Herod had heard stories of Jesus. look at verse 14, “Now King Herod heard of Him (Jesus)” Now before we go any further, to understand the point that Mark is making, we need to know who King Herod is. The original readers of this book would not need this explanation, but us 2000 years away from the Roman/ Judah political structure, we need to look at the political landscape of this time. Now remember that at this time the Roman empire was in charge. But the Roman empire would allow the people that they conquered to set up a faux government. So Herod here is the “King of the Jews.” The Roman Emperor allows him to call himself king, as long as he keeps peace and makes the people pay taxes to the Roman Empire. At this time there is also a governor. His job is to work for Rome, and make sure that the people do not cause an uprising.

Now you might also be familiar with the term Herodians. These are people are submitted to the Roman empire, because they granted them wealth and power. And this wealth and power came through the fact that they are allowed to have their “king.” Now realize something, when I say king, I do not mean, king as in having the power that we think a king would have. But really, it is a figure head. Very similar to the King of Great Britain. Legally, they really do not have a lot of power, but they have wealth, and a title. This is what Herod is. A king by name, but very little actual power.

Now you might also be wondering, what Herod is this? Remember the Herod that killed all the babies after Jesus’ birth? Yeah, that is this Herod’s dad. This Herod is Herod Antipas, who is one of the sons of Herod the Great.

So now that we know who King Herod is lets continue, “Heard of Him, for His name had become well known.” The “Him” in this passage is Jesus. So Herod heard of Jesus. So realize what is happening, Jesus’ fame is is growing so much that the King of the area of Judea and Samaria, now has heard of Jesus. His fame has landed on the king’s court.

But then we see a glimpse of what King Herod thought and believed Jesus to be. “And he (Herod) said ‘John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.’” Now we will look at the first part of Herod’s statement in greater detail later, but notice That Herod, who knows that John the Baptist is dead, and we will figure out why and how he knows that John the Baptist is dead in a bit, heres of Jesus’ powers, and he hears of the fact that Jesus is raising people from the dead, and that Jesus is healing, and casting out demons. And look at what Herod believed gave Jesus this power and authority. Herod believed that because Jesus is truly a resurrected John the baptist and that is why Jesus had the power that he had.

Illustration:

Application: Now we will get to why Herod thought John the Baptist was ressurrected in a bit, but realize something, Jesus’ fame has grown so much that his name is before the king, the man that was in charge of keeping peace in Judah.

See Herod was in charge of making sure that Judah did not revolt against Rome. That would be very bad for Herod. He is given his authority and wealth by Rome. So anyone stating that they were the true king, would raise alarms. And Jesus’ fame had become so popular that Herod has now learned of Jesus.

I want you to be careful church, because you can make the same mistake that Herod made. You can know of Jesus but not truly know Jesus. Herod had what he thought to be an understanding of Jesus, but in truth he knew almost nothing of him. This is true in many churches. There are people sitting in pews who think they know Jesus, but the truth is they nothing of the true Jesus. They think Jesus is genie who will bring their wishes, or they think of him as a teacher, or they think of him as some get out of Hell free Card. But Jesus is so much more. I beg of you church, learn of the true Jesus. Learn of the Jesus, who calls you to lay down your life, the Jesus who says come find peace in me. The Jesus who says that you do not need money, but you just need to follow me. Follow that Jesus. The Jesus of the apostles, who when they were beaten and jailed for Christ, counted it as joy to be able to suffer to Christ. That is the Christ you want, not the Christ of the American prosperity, or the do what ever you want Jesus, I beg of you, to learn of the true Jesus, who says, be willing to give up everything and come follow me.

Transition: In this passage Mark tells us that Herod was not the only one confused on who Jesus is.

Part 2: The people wonder who Jesus can be. Mark 6:15

Point 2: Avoiding the mistaken identity of Christ requires avoiding other people’s misunderstanding of Christ.

Explanation: Look at verse 15, “Others said, “It is Elijah.” and others said, “It is the Prophet, or like on of the prophets.” So now we see a wide range of who and what people thought that Jesus was. Notice that some believed Jesus was Elijah. Now who was Elijah? Elijah is found in the Old Testament in 1 and 2 Kings. He is the prophet who called fire down from heaven, and then killed the prophet’s of Bael. This is also the prophet that at the end of his ministry he was taken up into the heavens in a whirlwind. So some where saying that Jesus was in fact Elijah who had returned to Israel.

But look at the other views of who Jesus is, “And Others said, ‘It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.’” So now we see that other people believed that Jesus was a prophet. So this would mean that he was like one of the Old Testament prophets.

Illustration:

Application: So notice that in this passage we have three views that are expressed on who Jesus is, John The Baptist, Elijah, and the Prophet or a prophet.

Look church people from all different places, and world views have different ideas and opinions on who Jesus is. The truth to finding the true Jesus, is not to listen to podcasts, or your friend Jimmy, or tick-tocks, or bloggers, the truth of finding the true Jesus, is look to Scripture and look to the church.

Transition: But after Mark gives the different views of the identity of Jesus, Mark explains why Herod believed Jesus was a resurrected John the baptist.

Part 3: The Story of John the Baptist Reveals the identity of Jesus. Mark 6:16-29

Point 3: Avoiding the mistaken identity of Christ requires guilt not clouding your judgement on Jesus.

Explanation: After showing the views that others had of Christ, Mark goes back to Herod’s view of Jesus being John the Baptist. Look at verse 16, “But when Herod heard, he said, ‘This is John, whom I beheaded;’” So we see that Mark again reveals the view of Herod of who Herod believed Jesus was. Herod believed Jesus was the resurrected John. Now when we read through the book of Mark, if you are attempted to read this as if it our first time read the book, we might say, “Resurrected? When did John the Baptist die?” Well Mark is telling us now. Notice he said whom I beheaded. So now we know how John died, that he was beheaded. But realize what this says about what Jesus was doing, that Jesus was doing so many miracles, that he believed Jesus was a man who was beheaded. See, if you realize the power and authority that Jesus was showing the world at that time, Jesus being a guy who was beheaded isn’t out of the question.

But then in verse 17 Mark goes into greater detail, and tells the story of John the Baptist’s death. Look at verse 17, “For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison.” So now we see that Herod had personally seen to it that John the Baptist was arrested and put in prison. And then we see why. “For the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. Because John had said to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” So now we see what had happened. That John was arrested for speaking against the evil of Herod and Herodias. From the text we see that Herod had an affair, and then married his brother’s wife. So here is Herodias, who says something like, “He is preaching against me.” Way more than just stepping on toes, more like “He is condemning me.” And because of this, and because John was not afraid to call out evil, Herod arrested John. So John became an enemy of Herod’s by preaching and proclaiming that the actions of Herod was evil.

But then in verse 19 we see that Herodias hated John. Look at verse 19, “Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not.” Herodias hated John so much that she wanted him dead. She knew the message was against her, and that message challenged her status and her wealth. So she hated John so much she wanted him dead.

But Then we learn why she could not have John killed. “For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him.” She could not have John killed because Herod knew the truth of John. Herod knew that taking his brother’s wife was wrong. And he knew that John was just preaching God’s word. So he knew that John was just. And he protected John. So every time Herodias brought up killing John, Herod would protect John.

But Herod did not just protect John, look at what else Herod did, “And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.” He listened to John. Herod listened to John gladly. I think this gives the connotation that Herod felt conviction from John. And Herod would listen and do what John said. And this probably made Herodias even more mad.

But then we see that Herod made a big mistake. Look at verse 21, “Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee.” So we are seeing Mark paint a picture. It is Herod’s birthday. He invited a bunch of nobles over to a party, and a feast. So this means alcohol and drunkenness was definitely involved, and Herod is showing off to all these nobles

But the party not only involved Herod showing off, but it we see something else. “And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced,” So now we see, that amongst the drinking and partying, and Herod showing off, It gets even worse and more sinful. Herodias’ daughter. So if you are looking at this, this would mean his niece. Maybe even step-daughter level area, came in and danced. Her name is Salome. Now when we say danced, we are not talking about line dancing, or a tick-tok dance. This is a seductive dance. This is not what you would see at ballet dance, but more of what you would see at a “gentleman’s club” I would assume. See Salome was unmarried, and probably very attractive.

But look at what this dance did, “And pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” So this sinful dancing lead Herod to make a promise, I am sure he regretted. in the moment he was so happy, he said, what ever you want I will give it to you. “He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.” So now he even went one step further. He said, whatever you want, I’ll give you. Even up to half my kingdom.

Then in verse 24 we see what will make Herod regret this promise. “SO she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” and she said, “The head of John the Baptist!” So now the girl goes up to her mom, mom what should I ask for? Wealth? Power? What? And her mom says, tell him you want John the Baptist’s head.

And then in verse 25, “Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” So John gives these events in a manner that seems sequential, so this is boom, boom, boom. So sitting infront of all the nobles she says, I know what I want. John the Baptist’s head.

Then then we see Herod’s reaction in verse 26, “And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. So now we see, that because he made the promise, and because powerful people heard this promise, he knew he would have to fulfill this request. So he is sad, heart broken, yet he made his mistake, and now he will have to pay for that mistake.

So now look at verse 27, “Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought.” So Herod calls in a executioner, tells the executioner to bring John’s head. “and he went and beheaded him in prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother.” So now we see that John is beheaded, and his

And then we see that Mark takes a short side trail to tell what happened to John’s body, “When his (John’s) disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.” Mark gives the details of what happened to John’s body. He states that John’s disciples came and buried it.

But why, why does mark tell this story here? And in this manner? I mean isn’t weird that Herod thought Jesus was John the Baptist, when he saw John’s head on a platter? It is to show that Herod had guilt over what happened to John. And now Herod believes, that Jesus is John coming back from the grave to bring justice upon Herod. See Herod is allowing his guilt to cloud his judgment upon Jesus.

Illustration:

Application: Realize we do this too. “How can Jesus love me?” “If you knew what I have done in my past, you would not say that Jesus loves me and offers forgiveness to me.” “See no one can forgive what I Have done.” See we allow our past to cloud our judgment on Jesus. But listen to me, Jesus can forgive you for what ever sins you have done.

Conclusion:

But this forgiveness of your sins comes from your faith in the true identity of Christ. Knowing that Jesus is God, and man. The complete sacrifice. This means that Jesus can forgive even you. But that means recognizing the true Jesus. The Jesus who made the complete sacrifice and tells you to not live your life with happiness and earthly pleasures, but the Jesus who says, lay down your life, and take up my cross. See Church this is what it means to know the true identity of Christ.