A Willingness to Be Misunderstood Rather Than Betray What Is Good

Comparing and contrasting Jesus and Herod Antipas

Mark spends a surprising amount of his precious word-space on the backstory of John the Baptist’s death. It’s quite interesting that he does this, almost as a flashback to the current moment wherein Herod believes that Jesus is John the Baptist risen from the dead.

There’s a lot to say about what’s going on here. It’s quite the soap opera.

But one thing that stands out is how easily human leaders are swayed — not just by politics, but by pride, pressure, and image. It’s apparently pretty tough for leaders to not be swayed this way and that, depending on the moment at hand.

Mark tells us that Herod actually “respected” John the Baptist. What this respect looked like is to be questioned. It certainly wasn’t a respect deep enough to overrule Herod’s response to the whims of a lady. Herod seems to be fascinated with holy men but ultimately driven by ego, fear, and spectacle. He protects John until protecting him would cost his reputation. Then he folds. His power isn't strength — it's insecurity propped up by performance.

Man…isn’t that just a picture of leaders at large? They’ll play lip service to God as long as it favors their desires. But if something prettier comes by — even for a moment — that lip service becomes a thing of the past. Perhaps there are leaders out there who hold firm even in the midst of such fickleness. But it’d be tough to know because such things are not highlighted.

Perhaps this is why Jesus leads the way he does. Was he a leader? Of course. But not the kind we’re used to admiring — and certainly not the kind we keep trying to elect or elevate. His authority doesn’t come from charisma or control, but from compassion. From truth. From a willingness to be misunderstood rather than betray what is good.

Even when we put Jesus on a pedestal, it may be less about reverence and more about distance. We prefer a glorified image over the uncomfortable reality of his way. But the gospel won’t let us keep him up there for long.

He’s too busy kneeling. Washing feet. Bearing crosses. Standing silent while power mocks him — again.

Mark 6:14-29

Herod the king heard about these things, because the name of Jesus had become well-known. Some were saying, “John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and this is why miraculous powers are at work through him.” Others were saying, “He is Elijah.” Still others were saying, “He is a prophet like one of the ancient prophets.” But when Herod heard these rumors, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised to life.”

He said this because Herod himself had arranged to have John arrested and put in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. Herod had married her, but John told Herod, “It’s against the law for you to marry your brother’s wife!” So Herodias had it in for John. She wanted to kill him, but she couldn’t. This was because Herod respected John. He regarded him as a righteous and holy person, so he protected him. John’s words greatly confused Herod, yet he enjoyed listening to him.

Finally, the time was right. It was on one of Herod’s birthdays, when he had prepared a feast for his high-ranking officials and military officers and Galilee’s leading residents. Herod’s daughter Herodias came in and danced, thrilling Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the young woman, “Ask me whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” Then he swore to her, “Whatever you ask I will give to you, even as much as half of my kingdom.”

She left the banquet hall and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?”

“John the Baptist’s head,” Herodias replied.

Hurrying back to the ruler, she made her request: “I want you to give me John the Baptist’s head on a plate, right this minute.” Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests, he didn’t want to refuse her. So he ordered a guard to bring John’s head. The guard went to the prison, cut off John’s head, brought his head on a plate, and gave it to the young woman, and she gave it to her mother. When John’s disciples heard what had happened, they came and took his dead body and laid it in a tomb.

Psalm 142:5-7

I cry to you, Lord, for help. “You are my refuge,” I say. “You are all I have in the land of the living.” Pay close attention to my shouting, because I’ve been brought down so low! Deliver me from my oppressors because they’re stronger than me. Get me out of this prison so I can give thanks to your name. Then the righteous will gather all around me because of your good deeds to me.

Prayer

God,

Forgive us for loving the spectacle. Help us in our misplaced priorities. Keep in front of us…Jesus. As it says, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

And I want to pray for people who are doing the right things, without notice. Keep them going. Give them continued strength to do what’s good and right. And help me to get on board with them.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.