5 “And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, 11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.” (Matthew 14:5–12 (ESV)
Herod Antipas was a shrewd politician, as most successful politicians are. He wanted to execute John the Baptist for publically confronting him regarding his adulterous relationship with Herodias, his brother Phillip’s wife. He wanted to put John to death. Herod had the authority from the Roman government to do so. But why didn’t he?
Today’s text tells us that Herod’s hesitation in executing John was because he was afraid of how the people would react. The Jews looked upon John as a prophet of God. They viewed him as an inspired, and inspiring, preacher. Herod gauged the public’s support for John and knew that to kill him would adversely impact his fragile popularity as king. However, unfolding circumstances have a way of changing a politician’s, or in this case a king’s, mind.
Herod’s birthday was comping up. That meant that there would be a birthday party on his behalf.
“Jewish people did not normally celebrate birthdays in this period (Josephus declares celebrating birthdays forbidden). But though most Jews considered birthday celebrations a Gentile custom, the aristocracy evinced considerable Greek influence,” explains Craig Keener.
At his party, Herodias’ daughter danced before Herod and all his guests. The Jewish historian Josephus identified her as Salome. Her performance pleased Herod so much that he publicly promised, with a solemn oath, that she could have whatever she asked for as an honorarium.
Prompted by her mother, Salome said, ““Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” Such a request provides us with an understanding of Herodias’ and Salome’s morality; or lack thereof.
Herod was not happy. He was caught in a no-win situation. To fail to fulfill his public oath to Salome would mean embarrassment and humiliation before all his guests. To comply with her request would result in a negative reaction by the citizenry. Ultimately, Herod decided his status with his friends was important that doing what was right before God and the people.
Therefore, Herod had John beheaded. John’s head was brought to the girl. She in turn brought it to her mother. John’s disciples then came and took and buried John’s body.
The likelihood is that John never married and had no sons to be in charge of his burial. Therefore, John’s disciples stepped in to take care of this responsibility.
Luke 17:7-10 reminds us that even when we face trials, and perhaps martyrdom, for serving the Lord Jesus Christ, we are only doing our duty. John did not die a failure. Rather, he fulfilled the responsibilities God providentially planned for him. God will also fulfill His purposeful and sovereign plans in your life.
Soli deo Gloria!
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