Today’s passage: Matthew 14:1-12
Helpful thoughts:
- Herod was gripped by the fear of man. He wanted people to think he was great.
- Herod was also prideful. He thought God would raise John the Baptist from the dead just to mess with him.
- When Herod thought that everything was about him, it made him a slave to everyone around him.
- Contrast all this with John the Baptist, who was willing to tell Herod he shouldn’t be marrying his sister-in-law, regardless of the consequences.
- Herod’s self-interest made him totally miss the glory of Jesus Christ.
Questions to consider:
- Honestly ask yourself, would you rather be John the Baptist or Herod in this narrative (Remember, John the Baptist is dead and Herod is king…)?
- After you think through the previous question, dig deeper and ask why.
- What prevents people from talking to others about things that they think might stir up some controversy?
- Was John the Baptist hating Herod when he warned him or was he loving Herod when he warned him?
- What are some reasons why we should be thankful we have been made aware of our sin? What came of that? What still comes from that?