Matthew 14:1–12 (ESV)
The Death of John the Baptist
14 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, 2 and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers
are at work in him.” 3 For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, 4 because John had been saying to him, “It
is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday came, the
daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, 7 so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. 8 Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the
head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. 10 He sent and had John beheaded in the prison,
11 and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.
I remember Pastor Walter Harms telling us in a sermon to be careful what you ask for… you just might get it. Often what we ask for is the last thing we need.
Well in today’s reading Herod is pleased with he was impressed by the dancing of daughter of Herodias and offers to give her whatever she might ask. Well, he didn’t like her response. At her mother’s request, she asked for the
head of John the Baptist on a platter. That would be a very disturbing sight. Instead of saying no, he allows John to be killed. Yet we need to remember that God is still in control.
I pray: O Lord, we do not always understand what is going on, but help us to trust that You are in control. Amen.