As Jesus' disciples were visiting villages and performed miracles and preached the word of God, people's curiosity about Jesus grew. They compared Jesus to great prophets like Elijah and debated who this might be (16).

King Herod became frightened. Jesus' miracles and clear teaching reminded him of John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded, giving into his wife's pressure. The flashback in 17-29 describes the corruption of political leaders in Jesus' time. Herod and Herodias started their relationship outside of their former marriages. When John criticized them openly for their adultery, Herodias retaliated against Herod's wishes to protect him. She manipulated her husband using her young daughter and forced him to order John's execution.

The king's immoral lifestyle and lack of discernment resulted in the loss of a great spiritual leader. Herod himself suffered due to his cowardliness. As he was responsible for the murder of a prophet, he agonized in fear of condemnation. Worldly possessions and power cannot save one from fear and guilt. Only when we repent our sins before the Lord and receive the salvation that he gives can we be free and stop the escalating cycle of sin.


Application: Father, thank you for giving the message of repentance. Help me to fear you, not people, and come to you in repentance each day.
One Word: Repent and be free from fear.