Posted by Hector Gonzalez
A few observations and comments (random);
· The miraculous activities of Jesus and His disciples was spreading throughout and word of it got Herod’s attention.
· There was a confused reaction among the people about Jesus as to who He was. The reaction is still the same today by the way. We find that different people have different viewpoints and different explanations of the Person, the Presence, the Purpose and the Power of Jesus.
· People were willing to believe John the Baptist had risen from the dead. Herod had also believed this to be true. I’m sure if they would have checked the tomb he was laid in, they would have known he hadn’t risen. The resurrection of our Lord is not so readily accepted or believed, and yet HIS tomb was in fact empty.
· To my knowledge John didn’t perform any of the miracles Jesus or His disciples had done. What made them think of John? It’s apparent that Herod’s conscience was a factor and didn’t give him rest. Herod also knew John was a righteous and holy man.
· Herod enjoyed listening to John, but the scripture also points out that Herod “was very perplexed” (puzzled) by John’s words. As much as Herod enjoyed John’s preaching, it didn’t lead to repentance or a change of life.
· I’m impressed with John’s boldness; he didn’t hesitate to rebuke the marriage and immoral life of Herod. This boldness seem to angered Herodias more than it did Herod.
· Herod’s offer of “up to half my kingdom” is interesting since he actually had no kingdom to offer. He was a ruler (Tetrarch) of a 4th part of his father’s kingdom. His showy display and rash offer as a reward was driven by the lust of an older man.
What really struck me with today’s reading is the reaction of Herod and the people, in reference to Jesus. They thought Jesus was John risen from dead, Elijah or a prophet from old. Even with the miracles and probable testimonies spreading about, they missed the Person, Presence, Purpose, and Power of Jesus . Which prompts me to think, what do people think when they encounter a 21st century believer like me or you? We are a living miracle and testimony of the 4 “P’s”.
Father, may the life I lead reflect the truth of your Son.