1. King Herod's fear (14-16)

King Herod had murdered John; he had a guilty conscience. So when he heard about Jesus, he remembered his evil deed. He was superstitious and fearful, thinking that Jesus was John reincarnated. Being a king didn't assuage his fear and guilt.

2. King Herod's terrible deed (17-29)

Mark also remembered John. John was a righteous man who preached repentance and announced the coming of Jesus. When John told Herod to repent of his adulterous life, the king and the woman he lived with became angry and put him in prison. Finally, because of his pride and lack of moral fiber, Herod had John beheaded. Herod knew what was right and what was wrong, but he lived before men, not before God--so he committed a great sin. How miserable were the people who lived under such a shepherd!

Application: Lord, help me to live before you and do what is right. When I sin, give me the faith and courage to repent.
One Word: Don't live in fear and guilt--repent