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Home Matthew 14:1-12 NRSVue

Matthew 14:1-12 NRSVue

1At that time Herod the ruler heard reports about Jesus, 2and 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.” 3For Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4because John had been telling him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Though Herod wanted to put him to death, he feared the crowd, because they regarded him as a prophet. 6But when Herod’s birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company, and she pleased Herod 7so much that he promised on oath to grant her whatever she might ask. 8Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9The king was grieved, yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he commanded it to be given; 10he sent and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, who brought it to her mother. 12His disciples came and took the body and buried him; then they went and told Jesus.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
In Herod we see a ruler who abuses his power, treats religion as a spectacle or news item, makes grandiose promises which he regrets, then kills on a whim. We have known such in our day. In St Luke's gospel (13:32) Jesus calls him 'that fox'.

Reflection
What word would you use for me, Lord? I am not as straight as I would wish to be, nor worthy to be in your company. But I wish for true integrity, like yours.

Reflection
Heads have rolled throughout history when good people stood their ground. The fate of John the Baptist has been repeated in wars for justice, for religion and for faith. People have been imprisoned for their faith throughout the centuries. It still goes on, as men and women spend years in prison for their beliefs. God is on their side and power works through them. In prayer we recall and remind ourselves of modern Baptists and we do what we can to highlight their unjust treatment. We pray they be strengthened by the power of the risen Lord Jesus.

Reflection
Death will be the fate of Jesus. In death and in life Jesus and the Baptist are intimately linked. Beheading, like crucifixion, was a shameful public death, and was an insult to John's followers, as crucifixion would be to Jesus' disciples. A shared meal which would be Jesus' gift to his followers, can also be the meal in which evil is done. The Baptist's life brought him often into high contrasts of good and evil, and he was praised always by Jesus - ‘no greater has been born of woman than John.' (Matthew 11:11)

Reflection
The vanity of Herod brought him into terrible situations as he had John imprisoned and executed. I think of how well I am able to back down, to change my mind, to admit that I am wrong. I ask God for the help I need.

Reflection
The disciples of John the Baptist did what they could do and then they went to tell Jesus. I ask God for the strength I need to do what I can - and then to turn to Jesus in my prayer.