What Jesus Did! 'Shameful' — Mark 6:21-26

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Herodias's chance [for vengeance against John] finally came on Herod's birthday. He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee. Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. "Ask me for anything you like," the king said to the girl, "and I will give it to you." He even vowed, "I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!"

She went out and asked her mother, "What should I ask for?"

Her mother told her, "Ask for the head of John the Baptist!"

So the girl hurried back to the king and told him, "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"

Then the king deeply regretted what he had said; but because of the vows he had made in front of his guests, he couldn't refuse her.

— Mark 6:21-26 NLT

Key Thought

This horrible story is a reminder that God's people often face direct opposition from those in power. Proclaiming truth does not always lead to pleasant short-term results for God's truth-telling people. John lost his life because of the unscrupulous desires of an immoral Herodias and the political cowardice of Herod - who added incest to his adultery by taking Herodias (his half-brother's wife and the daughter of another half-brother) as his own wife. Shamefulness and blatant sin hate truth-telling and will do whatever is necessary to hide the truth, including sometimes killing the truth-teller. So we shouldn't be surprised in our day when the truth is not desired and is often opposed by those who choose the way of immorality. Let's pray for truth-tellers! Let's ask God to make their influence felt and for their lives not to be lived in vain!

Today's Prayer

O God, please protect and empower your truth-tellers. Make their voices effective. Keep their enemies from silencing them. When their ministry is complete, please bring them home to you with great joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Brutality and Grief
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"So [Herod's daughter] hurried back to the king and told him, "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!" Then the king deeply..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 6:21-26 NLT — "I want the head of John the Baptist, right now, on a tray!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 13, 2024

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Holy Spirit Transportation' (Ek. 11:1)
"Then the Spirit lifted me [Ezekiel] and brought me to the east gateway of the Lord's Temple, where I saw twenty-five prominent men of the city. Among them were...."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'The Fountain of Living Water' (Je. 17:12-13)
"We worship at your throne — eternal, high, and glorious! O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who turn away from you will be disgraced. They will be...."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Treason or Truth?' (Acts 17:6-7)
"Not finding [Paul and Silas, the mob] dragged out Jason and some of the other believers instead and took them before the city council. "Paul and..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Sent to the End they Fear' (Lk. 8:30-32)
"Jesus demanded, "What is your name?" "Legion," he replied, for he was filled with many demons. The demons kept begging Jesus not to send them into the..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!