Life Lessons From John & Herod
Matthew 13:53-14:1-11 (ESV)
Jesus Rejected at Nazareth
And when Jesus had finished these parables, he went away from there, and coming to his hometown he taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household.” And he did not do many mighty works there, because of their unbelief.
The Death of John the Baptist
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother.
Study Guide Questions:
Observation
According to Matthew 13:53-58, how did the people in Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth respond to his teaching, and what was the specific reason given for why Jesus did not do many mighty works there?
Herod’s reaction to John the Baptist is described as complex. While Herod eventually imprisoned John, what was his internal attitude toward John’s message before the execution?
Interpretation
Herod is described as someone who listened to John "gladly" but was also "perplexed" and eventually paralyzed by doubt. How does this story illustrate the danger of acknowledging truth without making a decisive commitment to act on it?
What is the difference between "hit-and-run" correction and true pastoral care?
Life Application
John the Baptist held up a "mirror" to Herod to show him his sin, just as a spouse might hold up a mirror to show us where we are failing. When was the last time someone confronted you with a hard truth about yourself? Did you respond with defensiveness like the people of Nazareth, or did you allow it to lead you to repentance?
We are called to "lovingly rebuke" our brothers and sisters, but this requires a commitment to walk with them, not just point out their faults. Is there someone in your life who is struggling with sin or addiction that you need to speak to? Are you willing to commit to the hard work of walking alongside them for the long haul, rather than just offering a one-time correction?
Herod’s story serves as a warning that "inaction from doubt is deadly." Are you currently facing a situation where you know what the right thing to do is, but you are paralyzed by doubt or fear of the consequences? What is one step you can take today to move from "perplexed" inaction to obedient trust?
It is not the quality of our faith or our ability to have all the answers that saves us, but the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. How does knowing that you are "already accepted" in Christ change the way you handle your seasons of doubt?