Mark 6:17-20

¹⁷ For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. ¹⁸ For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, ²⁰ for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.

We all know that Herod killed John the Baptist but in the book of Mark we see a different angle of the story. This is what I love about the gospel. Through the story of the gospel, we see the same story in a different light. This gives us a deeper perspective on the things that are happening during Jesus time.

John was imprisoned because he offended Herod’s sister-in-law, Herodias. John was not afraid to confront a sin in the family when he told Herod that it is wrong that you married your brother’s wife. Because of this, Herodias held a grudge against John but Herod liked John because he was a righteous and holy man.

Many times we are afraid to confront sin because we think it might offend people like Herodias yet at the same time we see John gaining the respect of Herod by standing up for what is the truth.

Made me think about the things I believe for and sometimes am afraid to stand up for it for fear of being misunderstood and hated. Lord, I pray give me the boldness of John to confront sin lovingly as I disciple the people you have called me to lead and influence, in Jesus name, Amen.