1. LESSONS FROM HEROD AND JOHN MARK 6:14-29

2. Herod’s “Marriage” Herod had married his brother’s wife Herodias v.17 Violated the law Leviticus 18:16, 20:21 Adultery defined Romans 7:1-4, Matt. 19:9 Even pagan kings did not commit adultery Jesus’ teaching Matt. 19:3-11 Philip and Herodias still joined by God Herod and Herodias married but not joined Cannot separate and remarry others

3. John’s Courage Not afraid of the king Told the truth Fulfilled his responsibility 2 Tim. 4:2 Ezekiel 33:

4. Herod and Herodias’ Reactions Not repentance Anger Galatians 4:16 Seek to kill him Herod feared him (the people) Knew he was right Unwilling to obey James 4:17 Imprisoned him Actions speak louder than internal feelings Compare Mark 6:19-20 with Matt. 14:5

5. Herod’s Birthday Party “Important” people Men’s hall and ladies’ hall Lots of alcohol Lots of entertainment Like a worldly bachelor party on a royal scale 1 Peter 4:3

6. Salome’s Attire and Behavior Herodias’ daughter named Salome She danced for the intoxicated men Herod has no problem with incest The manner of the dancing was wrong (Acceptable dancing Psalm 150:4) The attire for the dancing was wrong Gen. 3:21 The effect of the dancing was wrong v.22, Colossians 3:5

7. Herod’s Foolish Oath Motivation: the effect of Salome’s dance Half the kingdom is an expression Foolishly offered her a “blank check” God offered this to Solomon 1 Kings 3:1-15 God knew what his answer would be James & John asked Jesus for a favor Mark 10:35 Jesus did not say “yes” before they specified the request Mark 10:36-37

8. Herodias’ Evil Advice Asked Herodias for advice Parental guidance is important Eph. 6:4 Not what Salome wanted but Herodias wanted The head of John on a charger immediately No chance to change her mind Herod hated to fulfill this wish Daniel 6 He had to keep his word (peer pressure)

9. Parallels with Elijah King marries a wicked woman Prophet courageously rebukes king Queen is an enemy of the prophet Queen seeks to kill prophet King is more reluctant Queen influences king King and queen both suffer consequences John is the Elijah of prophecy Matt. 17:10-13