Human Bizarrerie

A soap opera of biblical proportions.

This story really is bizarre. And so human. Bizarrely human.

Very few people know what it’s like to be in a significant position of power such as a world leader or king or even the CEO of a big company. All of us tend to think we know what it would be like or, at least, we have opinions of what these people are like. It’s so rare for someone with such power to be truly humble, in the service of all people. It’s why those like Nelson Mandela or Mother Teresa or Oscar Romero are so inspiring to so many.

At the core, even leaders with such great power are human.

This is on display for us today. You might think that someone in power - like Herod - would not succumb to sophomoric temptation. What exactly did Herod think Herodias would do for him by granting her whatever she wanted? It’s bizarre.

Yet it happened. And we can guarantee it happens still.

John the Baptist was killed for such ethical immaturity and weak morality. It happens still.

It’s what makes Jesus so incredibly wonderful, no? His power extends well beyond a human throne. Yet he maintained his humility to the extents of sitting with the unknown, not being swayed by others’ power, and avoiding uses of his power that would provide personal gain.

Few to none of us have such power, as of Herod’s. Yet we are all called to the same humility and just use of the power we have.

Happy Sunday to you.

Matthew 14:1-12

At that time Herod the ruler heard the news about Jesus. He said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He’s been raised from the dead. This is why these miraculous powers are at work through him.” Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, the wife of Herod’s brother Philip.

That’s because John told Herod, “It’s against the law for you to marry her.”

Although Herod wanted to kill him, he feared the crowd because they thought John was a prophet. But at Herod’s birthday party Herodias’ daughter danced in front of the guests and thrilled Herod. Then he swore to give her anything she asked.

At her mother’s urging, the girl said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a plate.” Although the king was upset, because of his solemn pledge and his guests he commanded that they give it to her. Then he had John beheaded in prison. They brought his head on a plate and gave it to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother. But John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus what had happened.

Prayer

God,

Thank you for today. This morning, I am aware of how easy it is to get caught up in my own world. As I think about the story of Herod and John the Baptist, I’m reminded of how fragile human power is and how easily we can make bad choices when we’re focused on ourselves.

Keep me from such traps. Whatever influence I have—whether it’s in my home, at work, or in my community—help me to use it with humility, like Jesus. Show me how to serve others, even when it’s hard or costs me something.

Keep me grounded, Lord. Help me not to be swayed by what others think or by any desire for power. Instead, guide me to be fair, loving, and true to your ways.

Thank you for this day. Lead me in your wisdom and strength as we all gather together today in worship.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.