Mark 6:21-23

Passage

One day, while John was in Herod’s prison, an opportunity for his death arose.  On his birthday, Herod gave a banquet for nobles and military generals in his honor.  Herodias’ daughter came in and danced for Herod and his men, and it pleased Herod.  Herod asked the girl to name anything and he would give it to her – even up to half his kingdom.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We are told that a “favorable day” came for John to die.  We must ask: favorable for whom?  Certainly it was not favorable for John the Baptizer.  It was also not favorable for Herod, because he enjoyed listening to John.  Thus, the favorable day must have been for Herodias.  After all, she is the one who bore the grudge!  This phrase indicates that there is some planning behind this event.  This is not simple an event that fell into her lap of which she then took advantage.  This was an event that had planning and scheming behind it.

Have you ever heard someone say, “You make your own fate?”  What does that mean?  How many true coincidences do you think we have in life?  How much planning do you actually do when reaping the benefits of life that come your way?  What does this part of the story reveal to us about Herodias and her drive to get what she wants?

Second Thought:

Herod receives his step-daughter’s dance.  Herod allows his step daughter to come in and dance for these leading men of Galilee.  There is an inherent corruptness revealed here.  Adults are supposed to be protecting the innocence of youth, not corrupting it.  Adults are to guard youth, not expose them to corruption.  Rather, we see that not only was Herodias using her daughter as part of the scheme, but Herod was likewise involved in allowing his step-daughter to be a part of a provocative moment with adult men.

What does it say about Herod and Herodias that they allowed Herodias’ daughter to be used in these manners?  In what ways do you see parents today falling short of their God-given mandate to protect their children and guard for their safety?

Third Thought:

Herod makes a foolish bargain.  The expression “up to half my kingdom” was probably an idiom, for no ruler would truly actually give up any sizeable portion of their governed land.  However, the expression likely meant, “Ask for something really profound, I want to reward you.”  Herod sets himself up to be used as a pawn in Herodias’ plan by making a foolish promise.

How do we get ourselves messed up into the schemes of other people?  How can we keep ourselves from getting entwined into the schemes of others?  What do you think Herod’s greatest fault is so far in this story?

Passage for Tomorrow: Mark 6:24-25