The Cost of the Gospel

Mark 6:14–29 ESV

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly. 21 But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. 22 For when Herodias’s daughter came 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 to you.” 23 And he vowed to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately 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.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

The Cost of the Gospel

One of the biggest problems that is facing the modern, American church is the search for relevance in our culture. This has led many good pastors and teachers down a road that is contrary to the truth of the gospel message. We want to be liked and well received by others. It is an innate quality for us as human beings. However, the search for relevance is also placating to the wider world. It means that the church must give up itself in order to maintain some semblance of prestige.

But the gospel is not something that those who are living against God are going to welcome. In fact, the true gospel message of “repent for the kingdom of God is at hand” is one that causes great anguish in society. This gospel means that there must be a change and transformation that takes place in a person as he or she is moving toward being more like Christ and sanctification. Those who are enemies of God will reject such a notion because sin has diseased them to the point that anything to do with God is seen as an anathema to them.

Last week’s gospel lesson gave some insight on this kind of rejection that is in front of those who seek to proclaim the gospel. There are those who will embrace and accept the life-changing gift that is given through Jesus Christ alone. There are others who will do whatever they can to push the message of Jesus out and banish it. What the disciples learned and what John learned is that there is a cost to preaching the truth of the gospel message.

1. To the world, the gospel is confusing and foolish. (vs. 14-15)

1 Corinthians 1:18 ESV

18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

2. The gospel brings conviction to the hearts of sinners. (vs. 16-20)

1 Thessalonians 1:5–6 ESV

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

3. Some will reject the gospel and persecute those who preach it. (vs. 21-29)

Romans 8:35 ESV

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

Mark 13:9–13 ESV

9 “But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. 11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. 13 And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.