24.140 | A RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY MAN | Mark 6:14-20 | God’s Word for Today with Pastor Nazario Sinon

God’s Word For Today

Text: Mark 6:14-20 (ESV)

14 King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.” 17 For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.” 19 And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

A RIGHTEOUS AND HOLY MAN

Jesus’ name became very popular. So the people had a lot of speculations of who He really is. Some said, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” 15 But others said, “He is Elijah.” And others said, “He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”

This reached Herod. He was perplexed. He was responsible for the imprisonment and beheading of John the Baptist. He did not want to kill John the Baptist. He feared him because John the Baptist was righteous and holy.

Why was John imprisoned? It’s because he was vocal in denouncing the adulterous relationship of Herod and Herodias. He took Herodias from her husband Philip, who is his brother. This infuriated Herodias so she always wanted to kill him.

Solomon says, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.”[Prov 26:1] A person who is full of integrity is marked with exemplary boldness. John did not fear King Herod but only God. Indeed, he who fears God has nothing else to fear. In contrast, the wicked Herod feared John the Baptist. He fled and evaded the painful truth. Thus, He imprisoned John believing he would silence him. This was a cowardice act. While John has peace inside the prison, Herod is guilty as he sits on his throne. How do we know? The name of Jesus, who he suspected as the risen John, had made him perplexed or disturbed.

Listen and FOLLOW us on our podcast

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram