Matthew 14 “Do the right thing despite the consequences”

a)John was obedient to God despite the consequences

b) Herod was disobedient to God to please man and maintain his reputation

1. (V1) Herod the Tetrarch

a) This Herod the tetrarch – also known as Herod Antipas – ruled over Galilee and therefore heard much about Jesus.

b) . “Tetrarch literally means the ruler of a fourth part; but it came to be used quite generally, as here, of any subordinate ruler of a section of a country.” (Barclay) A tetrarch was lower than a king. Herod Antipas wanted to be recognized as a king, however the Emperor denied him

1.1 (V2) Herod’s guilty conscience led him to believe Jesus was John raised from the dead

a) From the reports about Jesus, Herod recognized the powers at work in both John and Jesus

2. (V3) Herod laid hold of John because he spoke out against his sin

a) Herod’s illegally divorced his previous wife and then seduced and married his brother Philip’s wife named Herodias.

Despite the consequences, God calls us to stand for Him and even when it may be offensive to others

2.2 (V9) Herod was more concerned with pleasing people than God

The Fruit of Herods striving

a) Herod’s overseer never allowed him to be king

b) The father of Herod’s first wife was the King of Petra, and he later made successful war against Herod Antipas because of how he had disgraced the King of Petra’s daughter.