Folks who study the Gospels love to look for patterns and the outline of the book. Many see chapter thirteen as a hinge that this gospel turns on. They see parallel elements between chapters one through twelve and fourteen through twenty-eight.
I love reading that sort of stuff (and I point it out because if you like that sort of thing check out The Message of Matthew by Michael Green). Today I want to go a different route.
In the last post I asked, “What response might you give to those who are offended?” I wonder what your response was.
I promised I would share mine. Here it is.
“I am sorry you are offended. For me, following Jesus makes the most sense for my life. I don’t get it right as much as I want, but I am working on it. Jesus, and his way, gives me life in a world of darkness. I would love to hear who or what are you following?”
I offer this answer, and ask this question, not to be a wise guy. No, I offer it because I am truly curious about who (or what) people are following. How are they navigating life? What gives them confidence and courage? What, or who, gives them hope?
Yet we must realize that people will be offended by Jesus. Today’s reading is an example of someone offended. It is not Herod, but Herod’s wife.
The story is ripe with lessons. First of all Herod has taken his brother’s wife for his own. John the Baptist has called him out on it. Lesson one: don’t take another’s wife. I know it sounds sarcastic, but it is true.
The next lesson we learn takes a little knowledge and a little imagination. First the knowledge. When the text says Herod was throwing a party, we need to read PARTY. People were drinking for days. Furthermore, it was a matter of pride. Afterall, the king would not want to throw a lame party. No expense was sparred. It was lavish.
Next consider his stepdaughter dancing. Most commentators describe it as sensuous. The picture is one of a young sensuous woman taunting an older man. Proverbs has much to say about this situation. Herod, lubricated with alcohol and seeking to impress a young temptress makes a promise he regrets. He makes an oath to give her whatever she asks—talk about a blank check!
Herod is caught! Driven by his own sinfulness, driven by the culture of his day, and driven by his pride. He faces a choice. Stand for righteousness or cave to evil.
Herod know it is wrong. Various Bible translations say he was: distressed, sorry, grieved, regretted, was struck sad, and more. Why? Because he gave an oath. He also knows to behead John the Baptist will cause the Jews to react.
Let’s think about Herod’s situation. He is caught in the culture. He faces immediate humiliation from his guests if he does not keep his oath. He faces reaction from the Jews is he kills their prophet.
Herod caves to the immediate pressure of the situation. Herod gives in and kills a man who he knows has spoken truth to him. Mark 6:20 describes Herod’s view of John:
20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he heard him, he did many things, and he heard him gladly.
Herod keeps him safe, that is until his public image is at stake. Earlier I indicated that following Jesus will at times offend people. And yes, I’ve got my answer all prepared. But do I always offer this answer? Are there times I in find myself (or put myself) in situations (like Herod’s party) and cave?
How about you? How do you hold up under the pressure of the culture you are swimming in?