"Not My King"

A Quick reading of a minor point.

Mark 6:14 ESV

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.”

Mark 1:1–8:26 Textual Notes

ἤκουσεν ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἡρῴδης—This phraseology is of interest, because the “Herod” in question, Antipas, was not a “king” as such. Indeed, at the end of his career, he and Herodias went to Rome to try to obtain the title of king for himself, which title was not granted. Instead, both were subsequently sent into exile. Herod Antipas was, in fact, a tetrarch of Galilee and Perea (4 BC–AD 39), merely one of four rulers over the territory of Israel, with Pontius Pilate a Roman prefect over Judea (in place of Archelaus, who had been governor over the same area); Philipp, tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis (areas north and east of the Lake/Sea of Galilee); and Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene (northeast of the Lake/Sea of Galilee); see Lk 3:1.

Kingship has Three: Sovereignty, Kingdom, Subjects

Herod’s Banquet/ Jesus’ Banquet

Mark 6:21 ESV

But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his nobles and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

Herod brings nobles and military commanders, leading men of Galilee. The troubles with the well-to-dos is they think their standing on their own two feet.

Mark 2:15 ESV

And as he reclined at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners were reclining with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.

Mark 6:39–41 ESV

Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all.

Three Reasons to Throw A Party - This translates to everything; Family, Vocation, Social Media.

To be made much of. - The party’s purpose in invitation, and festivities is to make you feel good about yourself. “You are such a great host/hostess”

To make much of. - To honor a guest or guests. The intent here is to make much of the people who are in attendance by your honoring of them.

To bless - This isn’t about your worthiness or your guests. This is about the opportunity you have, by the stewardship you’ve been given, to glorify God.

Herod’s Weakness/ Jesus’ Weakness

Mark 6:26 ESV

And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.

Because of Antipas’ desire to be honored, He makes promises he can’t clear.

Mark 6:34 ESV

When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things.

Jesus sees the weakness/need of the crowds gathered around him and brings them what they need, the Word of God proclaimed into their lives. He follows it with the lesser needs of the body. i.e. gives them loaves and fish.

Mark 14:34–36 ESV

And he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.” And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Yet Jesus also feels morose, (the same verb as Antipas) and his response is not caught off guard by his in ability to clear the check, but in fact, rather than trying to cover his own mess, He once again looks to the Father for His guidance and will.

Herod’s Identity towards others/ Jesus’ ID towards others

Mark 6:26 ESV

And the king was exceedingly sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he did not want to break his word to her.

Because of Antipas’ desire to be honored, he holds a banquet for his own sin. Then we see how sin takes control.

Mark 6:36–37 ESV

Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?”

Mark 15:4–5 ESV

And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

Herod’s Death/ Jesus’ Death

Mark 6:27 ESV

And immediately the king sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison

Mark 6:29 ESV

When his disciples heard of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

Mark 10:45 ESV

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”