Fearful or Faithful

Mark 6:16–29 NLT

16 When Herod heard about Jesus, he said, “John, the man I beheaded, has come back from the dead.” 17 For Herod had sent soldiers to arrest and imprison John as a favor to Herodias. She had been his brother Philip’s wife, but Herod had married her. 18 John had been telling Herod, “It is against God’s law for you to marry your brother’s wife.” 19 So Herodias bore a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But without Herod’s approval she was powerless, 20 for Herod respected John; and knowing that he was a good and holy man, he protected him. Herod was greatly disturbed whenever he talked with John, but even so, he liked to listen to him. 21 Herodias’s chance finally came on Herod’s birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. 22 Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.” 23 He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!” 24 She went out and asked her mother, “What should I ask for?” Her mother told her, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist!” 25 So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, “I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!” 26 Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn’t refuse her. 27 So he immediately sent an executioner to the prison to cut off John’s head and bring it to him. The soldier beheaded John in the prison, 28 brought his head on a tray, and gave it to the girl, who took it to her mother. 29 When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came to get his body and buried it in a tomb.

Remember Mark writes this to a church that wants to know what it means to be faithful amidst persecution...

This side story gives an example of the Church's choice. Be afraid of persecution like Herod, or be faithful amidst persecution like John.

John is an example of faith

Herod an example of the false kingdom and an example of fear

In the context of the story, the disciples have been sent out.

Herod has heard what Jesus is/has done and he thinks that Jesus is John the Baptist come back from the dead, or another prophet.

What this means is that Herod had John beheaded before the disciples were sent out.

The disciples, therefore, are sent out with the valley of death hovering around them.

And, so was the church in Rome that Mark wrote to. And so are we...

It is a reminder that as we enter our world, false claims, false hopes, hopes that rule on fear, and hopes that are given life, because of fear, surround us. And, it is a reminder that death and fear are, or can be, prevalent.

But, in the midst of that is John... who faithfully, prophetically proclaimed the truth- even amidst the consequences

John's message?

Herod, you are wrong to take your brother's wife.

Herod, your actions are not acceptable simply because you are a king, or you desire to be king.

Herod, YOU are NOT above God and God's rule.

Why did this offend Herod?

Because Herod, in desiring to be the King of the Jews had to have the approval from God (or, at least the seeming approval from God).

When John said that Herod was living in a way that opposed God, John wasn't only challenging Herod's behavior and life choices - he was also challenging Herod's supposed divine placement and authority.

Yet, Herod knew that John was a man of God. And Herod was interested in what John had to say.

He's like the people who come to churches because they like the preacher, but they aren't too sure they want to give their lives to the preacher's message.

The fear of Herod…

He feared John (somewhat)

He feared the negative reaction of his party guests more

He feared losing control even more…

But, on the other hand you have the example of the faith of John…

John was faithful to what God called him to be, no matter the costs

He kept living and proclaiming the Kingdom PUBLICLY

He went to those who thought more of themselves - not a facebook post, or personal opinion - He spoke against them and he spoke to them...

Examples of Herods…

People who follow the message of the Kingdom when it tickles their ears - celebrity preachers, health and wealth Gospel

People who fear backlash from friends MORE than they fear God.

People who do not give up old associations to be a part of the Kingdom

People who participate in questionable moral activities to land a business contract

Examples of John

People who KNOW what God has called them to do/be and they will follow that no matter what - even if it costs them their job, their life, or even their family...

Pastors who leave churches that bind them to anything but the Kingdom message. Believe it or not, there are churches that treat their pastor as a hired hand, not as a Shepherd. The pastor leaves because he can't speak prophetically anymore - he knows who God has called him to be and he will answer and live that call - even if it means leaving the church to do it.

Doctors who refuse to perform morally acceptable procedures that are ethically wrong

Business people who refuse to go to the "lunch" meetings at questionable meeting places with questionable guests.

Herod sought his own name and wealth.

John sought the spreading of the Kingdom.

John shows us that the Kingdom will continue no matter what side of it we are on... So, choose your side wisely!

The story continues EVEN IF you lose your head

John's murder did NOT stop the message! It did not stop God's Kingdom from coming.

So, are you a Herod or a John?

Are you fearful, or do you remain faithful - no matter the costs...

Let's state it this way... what is the price you will not pay for the Kingdom? (What do you determine to be too costly?)

What is the one thing that evil can attack to change your mind on your beliefs?

Don't be surprised when that one thing is attacked as you seek to be faithful to the kingdom.