Discussion Group 3 ~ Each participant in the group should have a copy of this handout.
Mark 6:14-29 gives us a record of how John the Baptist died.
14 Now King Herod heard of Him, for His name had become well known. And he said, “John the Baptist is risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him.”
15 Others said, “It is Elijah.”
And others said, “It is the Prophet, or like one of the prophets.”
16 But when Herod heard, he said, “This is John, whom I beheaded; he has been raised from the dead!” 17 For Herod himself had sent and laid hold of John, and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife; for he had married her. 18 Because John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19 Therefore Herodias held it against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not; 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.
21 Then an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers, and the chief men of Galilee. 22 And when Herodias’ daughter herself came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you.” 23 He also swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom.”
24 So she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”
And she said, “The head of John the Baptist!”
25 Immediately she came in with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
26 And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in prison, 28 brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard of it, they came and took away his corpse and laid it in a tomb.
Here is how the 1977 mini-series Jesus of Nazareth depicts John’s condemnation of Herod’s immoral actions. Note that the Bible tells us John confronted Herod himself; he may not have publicly condemned him as portrayed here. Even so, John was vocal regarding his disapproval and his challenge to Herod to repent.
What We Can Learn About Pietism from these Passages
In Matthew 11:2-19, we learn that while in prison, John apparently had doubts about Jesus; he “sent two of his disciples” to Jesus to ask Him if He “was the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus not only sent reassuring words back to John; He also affirmed John’s ministry and work. Read again Matthew 11:7-15.
7 As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.14 And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
Additional information about Herod, John, Jesus, and this entire incident is available here.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
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- How might the answer Jesus gave to John’s disciples to take back to John have reassured him?
- How did Jesus affirm John in his statements in Matthew 11:7-15?
- What did John do that got him into trouble? Why do you think he did it?
- It is clear from Scripture that John was correct in what he told Herod. (Note that the Bible tells usJohn had confronted Herod himself; he may not have publicly condemned him as portrayed in Jesus of Nazareth; see https://discoverbedrocktruth.org/
johnthebaptistconfrontsherod/). What points might we emphasize to make the case that John was right to confront Herod as he did? - Apart from the often-stated principle that pietists hold that God’s spokesmen should not address political issues because they’re political, not spiritual, what points might someone emphasize in making the case that John should nothave confronted Herod? How valid are these?
- Why might God have wanted John to confront Herod about His sin, despite the risk and the cost John eventually would pay for doing so?
- Who is in a better position to confront political leaders about their sins, and the sins of the nation, than God’s spokesmen — preachers and pastors?
- Respond to the following observations. What conclusions might we draw from them?
- Jesus could have chided John for confronting Herod and for being involved in politics, but He did not.
- Jesus could have chided John for offending Herod and for not being “winsome,” but He did not.
- Instead of criticizing John, Jesus praised him.
- Significantly, even though John’s confrontation of Herod appealed to God’s moral law and Jesus had come to usher in an “age of grace,” apparently Jesus was OK with John’s about God’s moral law in the age of grace?
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