According to the Gospel of St Mark

Matthew 11:11 Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist. Mark 1:7 After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. John 3:30 He must become greater, I must become less.

Herod Antipas. (Simple chart for family of Herod the Great -- p in Concordia Self-Study Bible.) Ruled from 4 BC till 39 AD over Galilee and Perea. A tetrarch (not actually a king), yet called “king.” See Mark 6:14- 29; Luke 3:1; 13:31-35; 23:7-12.

A rumor spread as to why Jesus could do miracles. What was this rumor? John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him

Explain how these two rumors might have started. (cf. Malachi 4:5-6) Malachi 4:5-6 See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.

Explain how these two rumors might have started. (cf. Malachi 4:5-6) Elijah was prophesied to come Malachi 4:5-6 See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.

Which rumor did Herod believe? Why? John the Baptist; he had beheaded him Cf. Luke 9:9, how does this verse explain the following period -- Jesus’ withdrawals to the north? Luke 9:9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him. Herod was trying to see Jesus, see if the rumors were true

Why did Herod protect John the Baptist from his wife’s intent to kill John? He feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man “He was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.” Explain this strange combination. The words John spoke were interesting to him

Explain the three types of guests: High officials Military commanders Leading men of Galilee All important people in the area; keep in mind for a few verses later

What kind of dance? The kind of dance you don’t want to talk about How old was Herodias’ daughter? Cf. Josephus, Salome, probably a late teenager

Was this a serious promise? (Esther 5:3,6) Esther 5:3,6 Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you … Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.” These words were a sign of generosity, not necessarily to be taken literally; generosity was suited to the occasion and would win the approval of the guests

Why was Herod concerned about his guests? He could not lose face in front of so many honored guests

How would you describe the kind of death John died? One of the worst deaths possible … it happened because of a boast by a drunken king and dancing girl

cf. Matthew 14:12, “They [John’s disciples] went and told Jesus.” Why? They were related, they were close, this way Jesus could know and mourn for him

Jesus’ withdrawals begin at this point. There are five converging reasons for this new action on Jesus’ part: Herod wants to see Jesus, thinking that he is John the Baptist raised from the dead. (Luke 9:9) The people’s demand that Jesus do miracles for them is mushrooming. (Mark 6:31) The Jewish leaders (scribes and Pharisees) want to put him to death. The people want to make him their bread king. (John 6) Jesus wants some time alone with his disciples to instruct them. (Mark 6:31; Luke 9-19)

What are some of the things Jesus did to show he was true God? His name was becoming well known What were some of the reactions to these displays of power? Some said he was John the Baptist, others still wanted to see him

Now we have seen that Jesus is truly the Messiah. He is true God and true man. He is the one who was prophesied to come and has now arrived on the scene. In our Sunday Bible studies and worship we now turn to the Lenten season. We will see what this Jesus, our Lord and Savior, did to suffer; what he did to save us.

Each Sunday in Lent has a special name taken from a part of Scripture. Each name has a different focus. Each name shows a different aspect of Jesus’ suffering as he heads up toward Calvary.