Mark lesson 14
Read Mark 6:14-29 – https://www.bible.com/bible/59/mrk.6.esv
Mark 6:14-29
Perhaps because of the additional groups of preachers being sent out,
Herod, the governor, heard about Jesus. His guilty conscience made him
worry that Jesus was John the Baptist, whom he had beheaded some time
earlier. This paragraph tells why Herod had killed John. John had been
preaching against his marriage, telling him that it wasn't right for him
to have Herodias, who had been his brother’s wife. As a result, he
imprisoned John, but did not wish to kill him. However, Herodias did.
One day, he had a party with many important guests. His stepdaughter
provided "live entertainment." Because of her provocative dance, Herod
rashly vowed to give her anything she asked, up to half of his kingdom.
Upon receiving instructions from her mother, the girl requested that
John's head be served to her on a platter. Herod hated to do it, but he
didn't want to lose face in front of his dinner guests, so he obliged
the girl's request and John was murdered.
Note -‐-‐ Sins that beheaded John the Baptist. John was a righteous preacher who was murdered because of several sins: 1) an unlawful marriage; 2) resentment and bitterness on the part of Herodias; 3) a lustful dance; 4) a rash promise; and 5) Herod's lack of courage in not breaking the sinful vow. Actions that produced such bitter fruit should be carefully avoided by Christians today. 1) Despite the frequency of divorce and remarriage in our society, Christians must not act against the Lord's instructions (see Mark 10:2-‐10; Matthew 19:9). 2) All disciples must rid their lives of resentment and bitterness, because they build up and lead to hatred, harsh words and revengeful actions. 3) Lustful thoughts lead to every kind of sexual sin. Followers of Christ should avoid activities and entertainment that encourage sensual feelings. 4) No one should make any promise without careful thought. 5) All should have the courage to do what is right, even in the presence of others.
1. Who did Herod think Jesus was? Answer: He thought He was _____
2. Why had Herod arrested John the Baptist? Answer: John had preached
that it was not lawful for Herod to have his brother Philip's _____
3. How did Herodias' daughter please Herod? Answer: She _____ before him on his birthday.
4. What promise did Herod make to Herodias' daughter, and what did she
ask for then? Answer: He promised to give her anything up to half of his
____, so she asked for the _____ of _____.