1. Herod's guilty conscience (1,2)

When Herod heard about Jesus, he thought about John the Baptist. Jesus also preached repentance. He spoke about the kingdom of God and he healed many people. Herod had committed a terrible sin against God; he had killed John, God's servant. He lived in fear because of his sin and guilt. Of course, Jesus was not John! But guilt and fear made Herod think that John had come back to haunt him. 2. Herod's weakness (3-12) Herod was a king, but he could not rule his own family. When John rebuked him for his immoral life, he did not repent; he put John in prison. Herodias had no scruples. She coached her daughter to ask for John's head. Herod was too weak. He was a slave to his wife, his guests, his pride and his fear--so he had John beheaded. An immoral lifestyle seems to be an expression of freedom, but it makes even a king a slave.

Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus who alone sets me free from sin and pride and fear.
One Word: Don't be a slave; repent