Herod’s Conflict with John. Mark 6:17-20.
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. For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.
Dear Saints,
The truth is not necessarily always welcome. Confronting people with the truth can earn one unwelcome attention, as John found out.
Gaol (vv. 17-18). John had rebuked Herod for marrying his brother Philip’s wife. Philip was still alive, so it was against the law of Moses (Leviticus 18:16) and even though King Herod was not Jewish, the moral law still applied to him. Instead of repenting, Herod put John in prison so that he would not pester him anymore.
Grudge (v. 19). Herod’s action was mild, compared to what Herodias wanted. She wanted John dead. Some people do not even give the truth a chance. Rather than deal with their sin, which is usually evident to everyone, they choose to be rid of the messenger who confronts them with the obvious truth.
Guardian (v. 20). There was a vestige of morality in Herod, still. He protected John because he acknowledged that John was righteous and holy. Despite his aversion to the truth, he seems to have continued to listen to John, either by visiting him in prison or having John brought over to the palace. There is a desire for truth and justice in all of us. If we ignore it and fail to respond to the call to repent, things may take an undesirable turn. Herod was about to reap the reward of failing to heed his conscience.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.