Mark 6:14-29; The Passion of John the Baptist

Sermon in a sentence: John the Baptist’s passion narrative pointed forward to the passion of Christ.

The Prophet’s Message (vs. 14-20)

People were confused of John’s identity as they were of Jesus’.

John was a prophet and servant of God to clear the way of the true king of Israel. (Mark 1:2-3

Mark 1:2–3 ESV

2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, 3 the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’ ”

If people were confused by the prophets and Jesus, why wouldn’t they be confused by us?

Are we different from the world? Can then even tell a difference?

John proclaimed repentance to everyone. (Mark 1:4)

Common people, pharisees, and even kings were commanded to repent.

We must repent!

We have a backbone to call people to repentance. That can be kings, tyrants, sinners, and anyone else.

Herod believed that God would raise his prophet from the dead, despite Herod’s refusal to repent!

His conscience was so tormented that he thought that God must have done a miracle.

The Prophet’s Reward (vs. 21-29)

Herod received torment from himself.

Herod was so worried about his pride and pleasing his desires.

Our sins will cost us more than we want to pay, especially our sexual sins!

The women got what they wanted in that moment.

The sin in their hearts lead them to stupidity and murder.

Instead of a kingdom, they become killers.

The prophet received a proper burial.

Unlike Jesus, John’s very own disciples came and took his body for burial.

Like Jesus, it was John’s body that was going into that grave, not his soul.