1. Character Study: John vs. Herod Matthew 14:1-12 Logos Bible Fellowship October 10, 2007

2. Jesus Compared to John (vv.1-2)  Herod the tetrarch (Herod Antipas) heard news about Jesus preaching and healing  Herod associated the “powers at work in Him” with the powers at work in John –What power was at work to preach and do miracles (Luke 1:13-17, 3:21-22)?  Others compared Him to Elijah and the Prophet or one of the old prophets  In which way would you most like to be compared to Jesus or John?

3. The Power of the Spirit (vv.1-2)  Luke 9:9 lets us in on one interesting detail…Herod sought to see Him –Why would Herod want to see Him? –How does this relate to the Spirit’s role given in John 16:8?  How do you pray for the Holy Spirit to draw you and others to Jesus?  How do you pray for the Holy Spirit to make Jesus seen through your life?

4. Herod’s Character (vv.3-12) 1.Unlawfully put John in prison (v.3) –Exodus 23:7 – Why is obeying the law so important? What if we don’t do so? 2.Adultery of the flesh and heart (vv.4,6) –Leviticus 18:16, 20:21; Matthew 5:27-28 3.Murderous intentions (v.5) –Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15, 4:20 4.Afraid of people (v.5) –Proverbs 29:25; Matthew 10:32-33 5.No self control (v.7) –Romans 6:16; Galatians 5:22-23

5. John’s Character (vv.3-12) 1.A just and holy man (Mark 6:20) –Hebrews 11:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21 2.Concerned about God’s Word (v.4) –Psalm 119:47, 97; John 14:23-24 3.Willing to confront (v.4) –Galatians 6:1-2; Colossians 1:28, 3:16 4.No fear of man (v.4) –Acts 4:13; Galatians 1:10 5.Considered to be a prophet (v.5)