At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist; he has been raised from the dead, and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took the body and buried him; then they went and told Jesus. (Matthew 14:1-12, NRSVue)
John told Herod he could not have his brother Philip’s wife, Herodias. Herod did not like this and had John arrested and put in a place where Herod could not be bothered by John, and even though Herod wanted to kill John, he did not because he feared what the people he ruled would do to him for that.
But because Herod was pleased at his stepdaughter’s dancing, yeah, that is a whole other blog post right there, and similar to what the US is going through now, Herod gave an oath to give her whatever she wanted. And her mother also wanted John dead, so she asked for John’s head on a platter. A gruesome image, and Herod conceded.
What are you willing to do to not have people rise against you or for lust? Herod was not in love with Herodias; he wanted what was not rightfully his to get. Again, something we are dealing with today. He also lusted after Herodias’ daughter; that is what got him into the predicament he found himself in.
What motivates you? What makes you do the things you do?
Love?
Lust?
Power?
Control?
Wanting to be accepted or liked?
What are you willing to do to be accepted?
