May 19, 2010
WE INTERRUPT THIS GOSPEL TO BRING YOU AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT . . .
Mark 6:14-29
Antoinette Davis
Central Truth
As believers, loving others well must include the difficult task of addressing sin in their lives and allowing them to exhort us about the sin in ours!
Key Verse | Mark 6:18
For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." (Mark 6:18)
Mark 6:14-29
The Death of John the Baptist
14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' 1 6:14 Greek his name had become known. Some 2 6:14 Some manuscripts He said, “John the Baptist 3 6:14 Greek baptizer; also verse 24 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 4 6:27 Greek his 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.
Dive Deeper | Mark 6:14-29
What does it take to get your attention? Up to this point, the Gospel of Mark has been focused on the power of Jesus' teaching and miracles. But just in case we don't get it—if we think being a Christian is all about miracles and glory—the Gospel is interrupted with the account of the beheading of John the Baptist.
We interrupt this message to remind you that following Christ isn’t going to be easy.
John the Baptist was a super hero of the faith. He lived and gave his life to help others find faith in Jesus. Some people say, "I believe in Jesus,” or “I’m a Christian,” but their actions aren’t consistent with their words. I am frequently interrupted each day by the Holy Spirit in a way that causes me to stop and examine my own actions. Were the words I used this morning with my husband Christlike? Am I spending my time today honoring God? Am I allowing others in my life to speak truth to me? (Proverbs 27:17)
John the Baptist taught that true belief in Jesus includes both a willingness to repent and to change behavior. John spent his final days in a cold, damp, rat-infested prison because he challenged King Herod to repent and change, telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:18)
Speaking truth to Herod cost John great discomfort and ultimately his life. Speaking truth can cost believers relationships, popularity, inclusion, and much more. But hard conversations should be a reality for Christians. We must find the delicate balance of grace and truth as we exhort one another to lay aside the sin in our lives (Hebrews 12:1-2). Scripture teaches believers to speak truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 27:5-6) and to speak words of encouragement and healing (Ephesians 4:29). When believers give counsel, our feelings, ideas, and thoughts shouldn’t matter. God’s Word is all that matters!
Being a Christian isn't about our comfort or ease. It's about a God who offers us life and hope in His Son. Does He have your attention?
Discussion Questions
1. Do you have a “John the Baptist” in your life—someone who challenges you to repent from sin and change the way you live?
2. How can you openly and actively seek the counsel of other believers for input and wisdom?
3. When you exhort other believers, are you doing so using Scripture rather than your own thoughts and opinions? If not, how can you become more skilled in sharing biblical counsel?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Who was beheaded in this story?
2. Why did Herod have John the Baptist beheaded (verses 25 & 26)?
3. Have you ever known the right thing to do and still chosen to do the wrong thing? Why? What are some things you can do to avoid making the wrong choices in those situations?